What is true about screening vs diagnostic mammograms?

• A. Screening is for patients with symptoms; diagnostic is for screening asymptomatic patients
• B. Screening typically uses two views per breast; diagnostic uses ultrasound instead
• C. Screening is for asymptomatic patients with results mailed; diagnostic is for full evaluation with same-day results and possible ultrasound
• D. Screening uses MRI; diagnostic uses X-ray

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how screening versus diagnostic mammograms are used and how results are handled. Screening mammography is done in women who have no symptoms to look for signs of cancer before any problem is felt; the results are typically mailed or posted to the patient after the exam. Diagnostic mammography, on the other hand, is performed to investigate a symptom or an abnormal finding on a screening exam, and it involves a fuller evaluation at the same visit, often with additional targeted views and may include ultrasound, with results sometimes provided the same day.

That makes the statement describing screening as for asymptomatic patients with results mailed, and diagnostic as a full evaluation with same-day results and possible ultrasound, the best description. The other options mix up who is being tested (symptomatic vs asymptomatic), or the tools used (ultrasound or MRI). Screening isn’t defined by using two views alone, and diagnostic isn’t defined solely by ultrasound, and MRI isn’t the standard modality for screening in average-risk patients.