Mammography is a low-amplitude X-ray imaging technique used to screen for breast cancer. Digital mammography generates computer images, and computer-assisted detection software identifies lumps and abnormalities. The procedure exposes the patient to low-dose radiation, and abnormal shapes or lumps are usually further diagnosed. The technology mirrors that of a digital camera, and the patient usually stands in front of the imaging device with their breast pressed down with paddles.
Mammography is the use of a low-amplitude X-ray imaging device to examine the inside of the breast. Producing an image known as a mammogram, this is one of the techniques used to screen for breast cancer. A doctor can use one of two types of mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Digital mammography works by generating computer images of the internal structure of the breast. In addition to digital mammography, computer-assisted detection software is used to identify lumps and abnormalities that doctors may miss.
During a mammography procedure, a machine exposes the patient to X-rays to collect images of the inside of the body. These images can reveal the extent of an abnormality in the breast. The radiation is low-dose, but strong enough to penetrate the layers of skin and bone. These images may show hazards that a physical examination may not detect. This is usually the first line of medical procedures for diagnosing breast cancer.
Most patients undergo this type of screening when symptoms may indicate the presence of breast cancer. By taking images of the inside of a patient’s body, possible cancerous tumors could be detected. However, not all abnormal shapes or lumps are an automatic diagnosis of breast cancer. Mammography usually produces images for further diagnosis. These cancer screening devices are essential tools for distinguishing between a malignant – or cancerous – and benign – non-cancerous – tumor in the breast.
The technology in a digital mammography procedure mirrors the technology used to take pictures with a digital camera. X-rays are captured by a digital receptor in the same way that light is captured by a digital camera. An image is produced that can be viewed on a computer screen and shared via any number of digital media.
A computer-assisted sensing device produces images using computer software. Typically, the purpose of this software is to detect abnormal shapes or lumps in the breast. If the software detects an anomaly, highlights of the affected areas may appear on the computer screen.
Usually the patient should stand in front of the imaging device. A radiology technician places a breast on the device, pressing it down with paddles. As compression is applied, the device captures different image angles of the breast to obtain a complete image. Some discomfort may occur due to the awkward position of the breasts generally required to capture the right images.
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