The short answer is “No”.
Mammography has a sensitivity of approximately 90% with a sensitivity of about 88%.
False negatives can be up to 10%.
There are numerous causes for missed pathology, which include
- Imaging technique and quality
- Increased Breast density
- Inadequate interpretation
How can breast pathology present?
- Screen-detected (imaging or clinical)
- Palpable lump
- May be solid or cystic
- May be solid or cystic
- Pathological nipple discharge (bloody or watery)
- Skin changes (thickening or tethering)
- Enlarged axillary (armpit) glands
- Inversion or retraction of the nipple
- Mastalgia (Breast pain) – infrequent