ABSTRACT: EVOLUTION IN MAMMOGRAPHY

The x-ray imaging of breast organ is called mammography. It helps to detect breast cancer
early and reduces the mortality rates for women >50 age.

FILM/SCREEN MAMMOGRAPHY: It is an old method. The image is created directly on a

film, non-modifiable. It is less sensitive for women with dense breasts. 10-20% of breast
cancers that are detected by physical examination are not visible on film mammography.
Major limitation of film mammography is the film itself – image quality depends on
exposure.

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY: Electronic or digitised image of the breast is stored directly in a

computer which can be manipulated. It has less radiation exposure than film
mammography. It provides improvements in image storage and transmission.

BREAST ULTRASOUND: Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the tissues
inside the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast including the area
closest to the chest wall which is hard to study with a mammogram. It is often used to check
abnormal results from a mammogram. It may be useful in younger women, where the
denser fibrous tissue of the breast may make mammogram more difficult to interpret.

DIGITAL BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS/ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY: Breast tomosynthesis gives 3D

picture of the breast using x-rays. It takes multiple x-ray images of breast from many angles.
The breast is positioned similar to normal mammogram but with little compression. The x-
ray tube moves isocentrically in an arc around the breast and takes about 15 images. The
computer collects the data and use CT based reconstruction algorithm to construct 3D
images, throughout the breast.

MRI BREAST: MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions
that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.
Some common use of this procedure includes, *Screening in women at high risk for breast
cancer. *To determine the extent of cancer after diagnosed. *For evaluating breast implants
etc.,

BY: DEEPIKA.A