MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography, which combines specialized X-ray equipment with techniques for positioning breasts, is used both for the screening of women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer as well as for the diagnosis of lumps or tissues to determine whether they are cancerous. Three recent advances in mammography include digital mammography, computer-aided detection and breast tomosynthesis.
Digital mammography: – Which is also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by electronics that convert x-rays into mammographic pictures of the breast.
Computer-aided detection (CAD):- The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to carefully assess this area.
Breast tomosynthesis:- Which is also called three-dimensional (3-D) mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), is an advanced form of breast imaging where multiple images of the breast from different angles are captured and reconstructed (“synthesized”) into a three-dimensional image set.
Types of Mammography
Screening Mammography: – Screening Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40.
Preparation of Mammography
Schedule the test for a time when breasts are least likely to be tender. Bring your prior mammogram images. Don’t use deodorant before mammogram.
Viewing condition: – Mammography films are exposed to high optical densities, hence their viewing condition should be optimal. Film should be viewed in high luminance view boxes, with low ambient light.
MLO =Medio lateral Oblique Vie
CC = Craniocaudally view
Figure:-A typical mammography images
Ms. Mamta
Tutor , Radiology deptt.
(UCBMS&H)