Digital Mammography
What is digital mammography?
Long Island Radiology uses digital mammography. Also known as a full-field digital mammography, digital mammography allows the radiologist to alter the orientation, magnification, brightness and contrast to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen. Computer-aided detection, or CAD, uses a digitized mammographic image to search for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the need for further analysis.
What are the advantages of digital mammography and computer-aided detection?
Analog mammography uses x-ray to record images. With Digital mammography, the
x-rays produce a digital image on a screen while the patient is still in position. The
technologist has the ability to review images in real time to determine image quality. Once
completed, the images are electronically sent to
a radiologist where they can be viewed,
magnified and manipulated. This enhances the
information available for reading and
interpretation.
Is digital mammography better?
Digital mammography offers an enhanced ability to process and view the images. This results in shorter exam time for the patient and greater flexibility for the radiologist when interpreting images. Much like a digital photo, the images can be enhanced, manipulated, and improved by the radiologist, so a digital mammogram can provide more information for diagnosis. Digital technology also offers better visibility of the entire breast.
What can I expect during the procedure?
As with traditional mammography, a radiology technician will position you to image your breast. The breast is placed on a platform and compressed with a paddle.
In This Section
- Breast MRI
- MRI
- MRA
- CAT Scan
- X-Ray
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Digital Mammography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Bone Density Testing (Dexa)
- Ultrasound
- PET/CT
