All women aged 40 and over should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years. A mammogram is a picture of the breast made with x-rays. Women who are younger than 40 but have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their health care provider whether to have mammograms and how often to have them.

During physical examination doctor examines patient breasts for lumps or other changes. He or she may be able to feel lumps and will also check for enlarged lymph nodes in armpit.

Diagnostic mammography is an x-ray exam of the breasts that is performed in order to evaluate a breast complaint or abnormality detected by physical exam or routine screening mammography. In diagnostic mammography additional views of the breast are usually taken, as opposed to two views typically taken with screening mammography. Diagnostic mammography is usually more time-consuming than screening mammography.

If an abnormal area shows up on mammogram, patient may need to have more x-rays. Biopsy may also be needed. A biopsy is the only way to tell for sure if cancer is present.

Breast ultrasound is technique used to evaluate an abnormality seen on a mammogram or found during a clinical exam. Because it doesn't use X-rays, ultrasound is a safe diagnostic tool that can help determine whether an area of concern is a cyst or solid tissue.

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