Digital Mammography

What is Digital Mammography and how does it compare to a conventional mammography?

Digital Mammogram Vs. Film Mammogram

Mammography has been the most common imaging tool used in the detection of breast cancer for over forty years. Present day digital mammography with the use of Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) has shown to increase the rate of detecting early, curable breast cancer.

Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography, uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce images that are displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor and stored like other computer files. From a patient’s point of view, the procedure is very similar to a conventional screen film mammogram. Both use compression and x-rays to create images of the inside of the breast. Unlike film-based mammography however, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds. UDI radiologists are able to refine the digital image and obtain a more detailed and accurate assessment of certain findings, such as calcifications and subtle masses. Since there’s no waiting for film to develop, there’s usually less time spent in the breast-imaging suite.

What is the difference between a screening and a diagnostic digital mammography?

Screening Digital Mammography is for women who have no signs or symptoms that suggest breast cancer.
Diagnostic Digital Mammography is used for patients with a personal history of breast cancer, who have symptoms or another indication of cancer, or who have breast implants. Additional exams, such as a breast ultrasound, may be performed to aid in diagnosis.