About Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is a specialized form of mammography that uses digital receptors and computers instead of x-ray film to help examine breast tissue for breast cancer.The electrical signals can be read on computer screens, permitting more manipulation of images to theoretically allow radiologists to more clearly view the results. Digital mammography may be “spot view”, for breast biopsy, or “full field” (FFDM) for screening.

Digital mammography is also utilized in Stereotactic biopsy. Breast biopsy may also be performed using a different modality, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Less Radiation

While the effectiveness of digital mammography is comparable to traditional x-ray methods during studies in 2004, one benefit using this technique was the reduction of radiation exposure and fewer retests.

Origins of this technology

Digital mammography is a NASA spin-off, utilizing technology developed for the Hubble Space Telescope.

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