Mammography, while not perfect, can see small breast cancer tumors and microcalicification clusters which cannot be seen on sonogram. Breast self-exam and professional breast exam are as important as a regular mammogram, but while sonograms can observe an occasional breast cancer not visible on a mammogram, it is not a reliable tool for diagnosis of most early breast cancers. Fibrocycstic disease is less a disease and more a change in breast tissue which most women have. Changes in tissue are evident but not a risk factor except in certain circumstances. Biopsies which show fibrocystic changes and hyperplasia with atypia may be a risk factor for breast cancer.
All new masses seen on mammogram are cancer unless proven otherwise.
Mammogram can pick up pre-cancerous lesions. We commonly find some which, when biopsied, show atypical changes that may be precancerous. Thus, biopsies are necessary to provide information, although most reveal benign tissue. Mammogram after surgery usually done at 6 months, one year, and then annually. This varies with the individual.