Diagnostic mammography is more involved and time-consuming than screening mammography and is used to determine exact size and location of breast abnormalities and to image the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. Typically, several additional views of the breast are imaged and interpreted during diagnostic mammography. See also mammography. Digital mammography provides many benefits over standard mammography equipment, including faster image acquisition, shorter exam time, easier image storage, physician manipulation of breast images for more accurate detection of breast cancer, and transmittal of images over phone lines or a network for remote consultation with other physicians. Currently, only one digital mammography system is FDA approved and is not yet widely available.
Many physicians predict increased use of digital mammography in the future.
Any fluid coming from the nipple. It may be clear, milky, blood, tan, gray, or green. White, yellow, or green nipple discharges are usually benign. Bloody, watery, red, pink, brown, or black nipple discharge may indicate malignancy. Nipple discharge should be evaluated by a physician.