Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor. The image can then be transmitted and stored similar to computer files.
From a patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional screen film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create images of the breast. During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality. Digital mammograms, however, produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor almost immediately. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean that the patient may spend a shorter amount of time in the breast imaging suite.
From a patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional screen film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create images of the breast. During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality. Digital mammograms, however, produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor almost immediately. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean that the patient may spend a shorter amount of time in the breast imaging suite.
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