Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
MRI
This catalogue entry is filed under MRI, but mammography of one side almost always means a standard X-ray mammogram, not an MRI scan - worth confirming with the centre before your appointment, since the two use completely different equipment. A one-sided mammogram is typically ordered when a specific concern - a lump, pain, or a change in the left breast - needs a closer, targeted look, rather than the routine two-sided screening exam done for general breast cancer checks. It uses a low-dose X-ray, so some radiation is involved, unlike an MRI. Extra views of the same side are often taken, and results may be compared against the right breast or an older mammogram if one exists.
This exam takes X-ray images of the left breast only, usually with extra or angled views compared to a routine two-sided screening mammogram. It's used to get a closer look at a specific finding or symptom on that side, such as a lump, localized pain, or a change on a prior scan.
This item sits in the MRI category, but a single-sided mammography almost always refers to a standard X-ray mammogram, not an MRI. If your doctor intended an MRI of the breast, that's a different exam entirely - confirm with the centre which test you actually need before your visit.
Routine breast cancer screening mammograms usually image both breasts. A one-sided, or unilateral, mammogram is typically ordered instead when there's a specific concern already localized to one breast - a lump, focal pain, skin change, or nipple discharge - and the exam is meant to look closely at that side rather than screen broadly.
- Low-dose X-ray images of the left breast, often from multiple angles - Comparison against the right breast or previous mammograms, where available - Possible additional views if the first images need clarifying
Unlike MRI, this test does use X-ray radiation, though at a low dose. Ask your doctor about the reason for a one-sided rather than routine two-sided mammogram in your case.
Despite being listed under MRI, a single-sided mammogram is almost always a standard X-ray exam, not an MRI. Confirm with the centre which test your doctor actually ordered.
This is usually done to look closely at a specific concern already found on that side, such as a lump or localized pain, rather than as routine two-sided screening.
Yes. A mammogram uses a low-dose X-ray, unlike MRI, which doesn't involve radiation at all.
A routine screening mammogram usually images both breasts. This exam is limited to the left side, typically because a specific finding or symptom needs a closer look there.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Often, yes - comparing against the other breast or a previous mammogram can help characterize what's being seen on the left side. Your doctor decides whether that comparison is needed.
Not for its purpose - it's a targeted exam meant to focus on a known concern on one side, rather than a general screening exam. Your doctor chooses this version specifically because the question is already localized.
Ask your doctor or the centre directly about preparation, such as avoiding deodorant or powder on the day, since these can affect the images.