Mammograms and Breast Imaging

Advanced digital mammography and breast screening

An imaging technician prepares a middle-aged woman for a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.

Advanced digital mammography and breast screening

Mammograms and other breast imaging services are used to detect and diagnose breast cancer or other conditions and can often identify breast abnormalities at their earliest stages. Early detection of breast cancer can reduce treatment time and lead to more successful outcomes.

Digital mammography locations

Find mammography services in San Diego at the following clinics and imaging centers.

Central San Diego

Scripps Clinic Mission Valley

858-554-7844


O’Toole Breast Care Center

On the campus of Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego

Offering 3-D mammography

619-260-7225

East County

Scripps Clinic Rancho San Diego

858-554-7844

North Coastal

Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley

858-554-7844


Scripps Memorial Encinitas Outpatient Imaging Center

Offering 3-D mammography

760-633-7967


Emily Fenton Hunte Breast Care Center

On the campus of Scripps Green

Offering 3-D mammography

858-554-4900


Dunn Breast Care Center

On the campus of Scripps Memorial La Jolla

Offering 3-D mammography

858-626-5200

North Inland

Scripps Coastal Medical Center Vista

760-806-5458


Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo

858-554-7844

South Bay

Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista Outpatient Imaging

858-626-6800

Why choose Scripps for your mammogram

Scripps digital mammography providers offer the latest breast screening technology and expertise.

Expertise, accreditation and accurate results

Women across San Diego choose Scripps for their mammograms because:


  • Scripps mammography centers are accredited by the American College of Radiology
  • Digital mammography is provided at all locations for accurate results
  • Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista are designated as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology
  • 3-D breast tomosynthesis mammography is available at select locations
  • Advanced breast imaging, including breast MRI and breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI), is available for further diagnosis and treatment planning
  • All mammograms are read by physicians specializing in breast imaging
  • Every screening mammogram is double-checked by a computer-aided detection system for ensured accuracy

Leading-edge technology for digital mammography

Scripps imaging providers use state-of-the-art digital imaging technology for screening and diagnostic mammograms. Digital technology allows us to provide the highest quality of care and offers:


  • Lower-dose radiation exams and improved image quality
  • Improved accuracy of initial screening exams
  • Electronic transfer of images from one Scripps location to another — giving Scripps radiologists and physicians the ability to view reports and images online, saving time and decreasing the need for retakes

Types of mammograms at Scripps

Scripps provides digital mammography using the latest breast imaging technology and expertise. A digital mammogram uses a low-dose X-ray that passes through your breast tissue to create a high-contrast, high-resolution image of the inner structures of the breast. These images can reveal any potential tumors or abnormalities even before they can be felt.


Depending on your needs, your physician may recommend either a screening mammogram or a diagnostic mammogram. A 3-D mammogram might also be recommended.

Screening mammograms

Screening mammograms are the most common type of breast imaging. These preventive tests check for changes in the breast tissue of women who do not have any abnormal signs or symptoms. A screening mammogram typically consists of two images of each breast.


Scripps follows The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute’s recommendation to begin annual screening mammograms for women starting at age 40 and continuing as long as the woman is in good health.


Your physician may suggest starting your routine screenings at a younger age if you have known risk factors for breast cancer, such as a mother or sister with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Diagnostic mammograms

Diagnostic mammograms are performed to examine breast changes, such as abnormal findings in a screening mammogram, lumps felt during a physical exam or visual changes to the breast and nipple. The technologist takes breast X-rays from several angles, and the suspicious area is magnified for accurate diagnosis.


A diagnostic mammogram may find that an area that looked suspicious on a screening mammogram is actually normal, or it may result in a recommendation for further testing, such as a biopsy.

3-D mammography (tomosynthesis)

A select number of Scripps breast imaging locations offer a new type of screening option called 3-D mammography or tomosynthesis. This FDA-approved form of breast imaging creates a three-dimensional image of the breast tissue, enabling the radiologist to examine the breast tissue one layer at a time.


Breast tomosynthesis is especially helpful in examining dense breast tissue and is associated with a higher cancer detection rate.

Dense breast tissue mammograms

Women who have dense breasts have less fat tissue than glandular and connective tissue in their breasts. This may make it more difficult to evaluate mammogram results. Dense breast tissue is the primary reason a mammogram fails to detect cancer.


Though research estimates that about 40% of women who get a mammogram have dense breasts, most women don’t know if their breast tissue is dense or not. A new California state law now requires that facilities performing mammography screenings must notify women if they are found to have dense breast tissue based on their mammogram reading.


The law also requires screeners to tell women that dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of a mammogram and may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Screeners can also offer alternative screening options that may be available.


Dense breast tissue is not the same as breast cancer. It simply means that additional screening may be helpful. If you are told you have dense breasts, talk to your physician about the need for additional screening. A number of imaging options are available for dense breast tissue, such as breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Mammograms with breast implants

If you have breast implants, always tell the technologist before your mammogram. Because the X-ray technology cannot pass through silicone or saline implants, the area of breast tissue covered by the implant will not appear on the mammogram.


Women who have breast implants may need to have additional images taken in order to view as much of the breast tissue as possible. Two extra images, called implant displacement (ID) views, are taken of each breast. In these images, the implant is moved aside and the breast tissue is pulled over it. In some cases, a mammogram may reveal that an implant has ruptured. But a ruptured implant can look normal on a mammogram, so this test is not used to diagnose burst or leaking implants.


Women with breast implants should follow the same screening mammogram guidelines as women who do not have implants, based on their age and risk factors.

Advanced breast imaging at Scripps

Based on your needs, your physician may order an advanced breast imaging test to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning.

Breast ultrasound

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of the insides of the breast. Doctors sometimes order a breast ultrasound to screen for breast cancer and abnormalities in high-risk patients or women with dense breasts. Learn more about ultrasounds.

Breast MRI

A breast MRI provides a more comprehensive picture than other imaging techniques. Doctors sometimes order a breast MRI to screen for breast cancer and abnormalities in high-risk patients. Learn more about breast MRI.

Breast cancer screening guidelines

Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women in the United States over the course of her lifetime. About 15% of women who develop breast cancer have a family member who also was diagnosed with it, but 85% have no family history of the disease. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, with only skin cancer being more common.


Fortunately, this cancer also is one of the most treatable. The prognosis for breast cancer has been improving since 1989, due in part to advances in treatment, increased awareness and, especially, earlier detection through screening exams. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment.

Screening guidelines by age

It is important to have regular screenings to detect and stop breast cancer in its tracks. Scripps recommends the following breast cancer screening exams:


  • Monthly breast self-exams beginning at age 20
  • Annual clinical breast exams with your physician or other health care practitioner
  • Baseline mammogram at age 40 followed by annual screening mammograms — the “gold standard” for breast cancer screening guidelines supported by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiologists and the American College of Surgeons


Scripps provides a full range of mammography services at multiple locations throughout San Diego County.

Educational resources and genetic counseling

If you have questions about your breast health or have concerns about your risk for breast cancer due to a personal or family history of the disease, our breast health educators are ready to answer your questions and provide you with information and resources.


Our oncology nurse navigators are experts in managing breast cancer issues and can help you and your family understand and navigate your care and treatment.


Our genetic counselors are health care professionals with specialized graduate training in medical genetics and counseling. If you or a family member has a higher than average risk of breast cancer due to personal or family history of cancer, ethnicity, a suspected genetic mutation or other factors, our genetic counselors can provide information, counseling and recommendations.