Breast x-rays have been performed for more than 70 years. However, modern Advances in Mammography and Other Breast Imaging Methods | Breast Cancer Prevention | Imaginis - The Women's Health & Wellness Resource Network

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Advances in Mammography and Other Breast Imaging Methods

Breast x-rays have been performed for more than 70 years.  However, modern mammography has only existed since about 1970, when the first dedicated mammography imaging systems became widely available.  Since that time, there has been tremendous advancement in the technology so that today’s examination differs markedly even from those of the early 1980s.  

Breast imaging tests, such as ultrasound, sestamibi nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and t-scan (EIS impedance imaging) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as supplements to mammography in the detection of breast cancer.  Other breast imaging tests such as computerized thermal imaging are currently undergoing clinical trials to determine whether they might be useful in detecting breast cancer, along with mammography.     

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Mammography:

Originial dedicated breast mammography system (obsolete)
Original dedicated
mammography system
from 1966

Breast Imaging Exams That May Be Used in Conjunction with Mammography:

Advances in Mammography

Modern x-ray mammography uses dedicated systems (that is, a machine used only for breast x-rays) to produce x-rays that are high in quality but low in radiation dose. In the past, there were concerns about radiation risks. Modern mammography systems are tightly monitored by the Mammography Quality Standard Act (MQSA) and any risk is far outweighed by the benefits of early breast cancer detection. In order to x-ray the breast, a "softer" type of x-ray is used than for other parts of the body. Mammography is designed for imaging the soft tissue of the breasts as opposed to "harder" x-rays designed to penetrate and image the bones of the body.

X-ray mammography is the only approved examination to screen for breast cancer. However, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), t-scan (EIS impedance imaging), and nuclear medicine imaging have been further developed in recent years for use in imaging the breast, as adjunct tools to diagnostic x-ray mammography. MRI imaging, ultrasound and nuclear medicine do not provide the spatial resolution (fine detail) available with conventional x-ray mammography. However, MRI provides images with excellent contrast resolution that can help radiologists diagnose and differentiate breast cancers. Ultrasound is useful for imaging cysts and guiding breast biopsy. Nuclear medicine is good for evaluating the spread (metastasis) of cancer into the lymphatic system, other organs and skeletal system.

Researchers and medical imaging system manufacturers continue to invest tremendous resources into the field of breast imaging. The collective goal of this research and product development is:

  • to increase the number of cancers found with imaging before they are felt by the patient or her physician
  • to find cancers even smaller than those detected currently by mammography
  • to improve the accuracy of breast imaging in distinguishing benign breast conditions from breast cancers
  • to increase patient comfort and safety during breast imaging and biopsy
  • to continue to lower the dose of radiation require to produce quality mammograms

Mammographic machine range or motion

This modern mammography system has excellent high adjustable
flexibility allowing it to image patients of all sizes in various positions

Ergonomic and Patient Safety Improvements in Mammography Systems

Researchers and medical imaging system manufactures continuously strive to improve the design of mammography systems to increase patient comfort and safety during mammography and biopsy. Recent improvements to mammographic systems include:

  • Special devices to minimize patient discomfort while applying appropriate compression to maximize image quality.
  • Newer x-ray technologies that deliver excellent image quality and minimal x-ray dose.
  • Improved ergonomic designs to allow maximum flexibility in obtaining different anatomic views on a wide range of patients while providing improved patient comfort. Patients can now be imaged while standing, sitting or lying down, depending upon the need.
  • New technologies to allow the mammographic exam to be completed more quickly for increased patient comfort and convenience.

Updated: May 4, 2008