Mammography uses low-energy X-rays to examine breast tissue. It is used both to screen people without symptoms and to help diagnose breast concerns. This lesson introduces its purpose, image formation, and major technologies.
Mammography, also called mastography, is breast imaging using X-rays, usually at about 30 kVp. Its principal goal is early detection of breast cancer, including when treatment may be more effective and less invasive. Radiologists look for findings such as masses, microcalcifications, asymmetries, and architectural distortions.
All flashcards
What is mammography?
Breast examination using low-energy X-rays, usually around 30 kVp, for screening or diagnosis.
What is FFDM?
Full-field digital mammography, which captures the breast with digital receptors and displays the image using computer systems.
What is digital breast tomosynthesis?
A form of 3D mammography that uses X-ray images from different angles to reconstruct a three-dimensional view of the breast.
How does CEM make some tumors more visible?
It uses iodinated contrast that may accumulate in tumor tissue with abnormal, leaky blood vessels.
When may galactography be used?
It may be used to visualize milk ducts, particularly when nipple discharge is present and mammography is not diagnostic.
Quiz questions
What distinguishes a diagnostic mammogram from a screening mammogram?Answer: It investigates symptoms or an abnormal screening result.
Why is the breast compressed during mammography?Answer: Compression evens tissue thickness, limits motion and scatter, and can lower the required dose.
What does BI-RADS assessment category 0 indicate?Answer: The assessment is incomplete and additional imaging is needed.
In double reading of mammograms, what is done?Answer: Two trained readers evaluate the images.
What does overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening mean?Answer: Detecting cancer that would never cause symptoms or death during the person's lifetime.
Based on the Wikipedia article Mammography, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.