Procedure Mammography

illustration of mammogram



a mobile mammography unit in new zealand

during procedure, breast compressed using dedicated mammography unit. parallel-plate compression evens out thickness of breast tissue increase image quality reducing thickness of tissue x-rays must penetrate, decreasing amount of scattered radiation (scatter degrades image quality), reducing required radiation dose, , holding breast still (preventing motion blur). in screening mammography, both head-to-foot (craniocaudal, cc) view , angled side-view (mediolateral oblique, mlo) images of breast taken. diagnostic mammography may include these , other views, including geometrically magnified , spot-compressed views of particular area of concern. deodorant, talcum powder or lotion may show on x-ray calcium spots, , women discouraged applying these on day of exam. there 2 types of mammogram studies: screening mammograms , diagnostic mammograms. screening mammograms performed yearly on patient presents no symptoms , consists of 4 standard x-ray images. diagnostic mammograms reserved patients breast symptoms, changes, or abnormal findings seen on screening mammogram. diagnostic mammograms performed on patients breast implants, breast reductions, , patients personal and/or family history of breast cancer.

until years ago, mammography typically performed screen-film cassettes. now, mammography undergoing transition digital detectors, known digital mammography or full field digital mammography (ffdm). first ffdm system approved fda in u.s. in 2000. progress years later in general radiology. due several factors:

as of march 1, 2010, 62% of facilities in united states , territories have @ least 1 ffdm unit. (the fda includes computed radiography units in figure.)

mammograms either looked @ 1 (single reading) or 2 (double reading) trained professionals: these film readers radiologists, may radiographers, radiotherapists or breast clinicians (non-radiologist physicians specialising in breast disease). double reading, standard practice in uk less common in us, improves sensitivity , specificity of procedure. clinical decision support systems may used digital mammography (or digitised images analogue mammography), studies suggest these not improve performance or provide small improvement.

digital

digital mammography specialized form of mammography uses digital receptors , computers instead of x-ray film examine breast tissue breast cancer. electrical signals can read on computer screens, permitting more manipulation of images theoretically allow radiologists more view results. digital mammography may spot view , breast biopsy, or full field (ffdm) screening.

digital mammography utilized in stereotactic biopsy. breast biopsy may performed using different modality, such ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (mri).

while radiologists had hoped more marked improvement, effectiveness of digital mammography found comparable traditional x-ray methods in 2004, though there may reduced radiation technique , may lead fewer retests. specifically, performs no better film post-menopausal women, represent more three-quarters of women breast cancer. u.s. preventive services task force concluded there insufficient evidence recommend or against digital mammography.

digital mammography nasa spin-off, utilizing technology developed hubble space telescope. of 2007, 8% of american screening centers used digital mammography. around globe, systems fujifilm corporation used. in united states, ge s digital imaging units typically cost us$300,000 $500,000, far more film-based imaging systems. costs may lower ge begins compete less expensive fuji systems.

3d mammography

three-dimensional mammography, known digital breast tomosynthesis (dbs), tomosynthesis, , 3d breast imaging, mammogram technology creates 3d image of breast using x-rays. when used in addition usual mammography results in more positive tests. cost effectiveness unclear of 2016. other concerns increases radiation exposure more 2 times.