Mammography
In digital mammography, an electronic picture of the breast is kept as a computer file, while in traditional mammography, the image is directly stored on film. Both methods use X-rays to create an image of the breast. Unlike data saved on film, digital data is more readily enhanced, amplified, or altered for additional analysis. Electronically sharing digital pictures makes virtual (remote) consultations between radiologists and breast surgeons easier.
Digital mammography is crucial for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Early detection through mammography can significantly improve breast cancer survival rates, making regular mammograms important for women, especially those over 40 or at higher risk for breast cancer.
Digital mammography's superior image quality, efficiency, and advanced technology make it highly effective in identifying breast abnormalities and helping healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding further evaluation and treatment.
2D Mammography
Mammography followed by a biopsy is usually the first step whenever a suspicious breast lump has to be evaluated by a clinician.
It includes low-energy X-rays for diagnosing and screening, which aids in early detection of breast cancer.
Detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications and axillary lymphadenopathy when it is most treatable.
There are 2 types of mammography - conventional and digital.
Digital mammography is faster and more sensitive.
3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
A new kind of digital X-ray mammography called tomosynthesis, sometimes known as 3D mammography, produces images of the breasts that resemble both 2D and 3D images. This instrument enhances mammography's capacity to identify breast cancers early.
It is possible to integrate 3D tomosynthesis capabilities into digital mammography systems. Tomosynthesis generates several low-dose X-ray pictures of the breast from various viewpoints, which are combined to create a three-dimensional image.
Reducing overlapping breast tissue improves the detection of small cancers and lowers the number of false-positive results from 3D mammography.
Features of digital mammography
Technology and Image Acquisition
Digital mammography makes use of X-rays to produce images of the breast tissue.
Digital mammography uses electronic detectors to convert X-ray energy into digital signals, unlike film-based mammography, where X-ray images are captured on film.
These detectors transform the X-ray photons that enter the breast into electrical signals, which are subsequently captured, processed, and saved as high-definition digital pictures.
Image Quality
When compared to traditional film mammography, digital mammography yields superior image quality. It creates images with outstanding contrast and high resolution, making it possible to see anomalies and breast tissue more clearly.
Various software tools can enhance a radiologist's ability to detect and analyse subtle changes in breast tissues by manipulating digital images.
Efficiency and Workflow
Digital mammography enables faster image acquisition and interpretation by eliminating the need for film processing, development, and physical storage. Images are instantly available for review.
Radiologists can efficiently access and manipulate digital images on computer screens, reducing interpretation time and facilitating a more efficient workflow.
Image Enhancement and Processing
Digital mammography systems come equipped with post-processing tools that enable radiologists to adjust image contrast and brightness, apply image enhancement techniques, and zoom in on specific areas of interest.
These capabilities are particularly useful in detecting small or subtle abnormalities, especially for patients with dense breast tissues.
Image Storage and Accessibility
As digital mammography images are stored electronically, managing, retrieving, and sharing them with healthcare providers when necessary is made simpler.
Enhancing communication between medical professionals is possible with digital images since they can be safely stored and shared for consultations or second opinions.
Patient Comfort and Safety
Regarding breast imaging, digital mammography usually requires less compression force, which can improve patient comfort without sacrificing image quality.
It also makes examination times more manageable, which lessens the pain of compression.
Radiation Dose
System design for digital mammography aims to obtain high-quality images with the least amount of radiation exposure, thus reducing patients' radiation exposure.
The benefits of digital mammography are
Better visualisation of cancer tissue near the chest wall.
With less radiation exposure, complete breast tissue can be scanned and studied
Mammography is a quick imaging technique that causes slight discomfort for most women.
It is a non-invasive procedure that takes less time & delivers accurate results.
BOOK A TEST