| Mammography is a special type of noninvasive | | | | presence of cancer. The Computer-aided detection |
| imaging technique that uses a low-dose x-ray system | | | | (CAD) systems highlight these areas on the images |
| to examine breasts. The medical test is conducted | | | | that can help doctors in further analysis. |
| for early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in | | | | Some of the benefits of using this technique are as |
| women. During the test, a part of the body is | | | | given below: |
| exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation to | | | | · Physicians can detect small tumors. When cancers |
| produce images of the inside of the body. | | | | are detected at an early stage, the woman has more |
| Two recent developments in mammography include | | | | treatment options. |
| digital mammography and computer-aided detection. | | | | · Small abnormal tissue growths confined to the milk |
| Digital mammography: Digital mammography, also | | | | ducts in the breast, called ductal carcinoma in situ |
| called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a | | | | (DCIS) can be detected by the use of screening |
| mammography system in which solid-state detectors | | | | mammography. These early tumors if removed on |
| are used to convert x-rays into electrical signals. To | | | | time, can prevent further proliferation of cancer cells. |
| produce images of the breast, the electrical signals | | | | · Detection of all types of breast cancer, including |
| are used that can be displayed on a computer screen | | | | invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer is possible. |
| or can be printed on a special film similar to traditional | | | | · No radiation remains in a patient's body after an |
| mammograms. | | | | x-ray examination. |
| Computer-aided detection (CAD) systems: In this | | | | · X-rays usually have no side effects in the |
| technique, a digitized mammographic image can be | | | | diagnostic range. |
| obtained from either a conventional film mammogram | | | | However, there is always a slight risk of cancer due |
| or a digitally acquired mammogram. The computer | | | | to excessive exposure to radiation. However, the |
| software tries to figure out abnormal areas of | | | | benefit far outweighs the risks involved. |
| density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the | | | | |