What is digital mammography?
Digital mammography is a mammography system where x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special films to look like regular mammograms. From the patient’s point of view, mammography with a Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) system (hereafter called “digital mammography”) is essentially the same as the screen-film system. The mammograms will be taken the same way. Digital mammography can legally be performed only in facilities that are certified.
Digital mammography is similar to standard mammography in that x-rays are used to produce detailed images of the breast. The difference is that digital mammography is equipped with a digital receptor and generates computerized images immediately instead of a film cassette that needs to be developed into a film. A similar comparison is a standard camera to a digital camera. We are the first and only site in Connecticut to offer digital mammography with computer-aided detection (CAD).
Breast x-rays taken using digital mammography record the images as digital files directly on to a computer. The analogue or film mammography uses photographic film that needs to be developed before the image could be viewed. The difference is similar to the difference between a camera that uses film and a digital camera. The digital image when displayed on a high-resolution computer screen can be digitally enhanced for optimum viewing. The actual process of taking the mammogram still uses x-rays and the breasts still need to be compressed to ensure a clear image of the breast tissue is obtained.
