OVERVIEW
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women. Despite being the most common cancer, it can be treated with positive clinical outcomes and excellent survival rates if detected early. Screening methods like physical examination, ABVS, and digital mammography facilitate the early detection of breast cancer and help women prevent advanced-stage breast cancer.
Digital mammography is a highly safe, non-invasive, and effective screening method for breast cancer.
Digital mammography uses low-dose radiation X-rays to capture the images of the breasts, and these images are later studied for the presence of any abnormalities, such as benign and malignant tumors.
The biggest difference between traditional mammography (film mammography) and digital mammography is that, during the latter, the image is captured and directly recorded onto a special computer and not on films.
How Does Digital Mammography Work?
Digital mammography system comes with solid-state detectors, which capture the X-rays that pass through the breast and convert them to electrical signals. These electrical signals are later used to create digital images of the breasts, and these images are stored on a computer.
During the procedure, the technician will ask the patient to position one of their breasts between the two compression plates. The compression plates will flatten and compress their breasts, which may cause slight discomfort. X-rays are used to scan the breast and the observations are captured by the detectors on the other side, which are eventually converted to digital images. The same procedure is repeated for the second breast.
The digital images obtained so will be shared with the oncologist, who will be assessing the screening results. The entire procedure may take up to 30 minutes.
Advantages of Digital Mammography
Unlike film mammography, digital mammography allows radiologists to zoom in and have a better look at the abnormalities and make the best clinical decisions.
By delivering better results, digital mammography eliminates the need for re-tests and follow-up screenings.
The radiation dose in digital mammography is reduced by 25%, which makes it a relatively safer diagnostic modality than its older counterparts.
Digital mammograms are especially helpful in detecting breast cancers among women with dense breast tissues.
It is a non-invasive procedure that takes less time and delivers accurate results.
