What is digital mammography? How is it different from conventional mammography?
Digital mammography captures the x-ray images on a digital detection rather than on x-ray film, as with conventional mammography. In January 2000, the FDA approved a digital mammography system that may offer potential advantages over the use of standard x-ray film. Studies comparing digital and conventional mammography are ongoing. The radiologists at The Breast Center personally feel digital mammography is superior in the dense or busy breast or in patients with implants or previous breast surgery. Currently, digital mammography can be done only in facilities that are certified to practice conventional mammography and have received FDA approval to offer digital mammography, such as offered at The Breast Center of NWA. The procedure for having a mammogram with a digital system is the same for the patient as with conventional mammography.
Digital mammography records x-ray images in computer code instead of on x-ray film, as with conventional mammography. In January 2000, the FDA approved a digital mammography system that may offer potential advantages over the use of standard x-ray film. Research studies so far have not shown that digital images are more effective in finding cancer than x-ray film images. However, NCI is directing additional studies to learn whether digital mammography is as good as or better than conventional mammography. Digital mammography may offer the following advantages over conventional mammography: The images can be stored and retrieved electronically, which makes long-distance consultations with other mammography specialists easier; Because the images can be adjusted by the radiologist, subtle differences between tissues may be noted; Digital mammography may reduce the number of follow up procedures that are necessary; and The need for fewer exposures with digital mammography can reduce the al
