 Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital
mammography?
How is it different from conventional (film) mammography?
Both digital and conventional mammography use x-rays to produce an
image of the breast; however, conventional mammography stores the
image directly on film, whereas digital mammography takes an
electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer.
This allows the recorded information to be enhanced, magnified, or
manipulated for further evaluation. The difference between
conventional mammography and digital mammography is like the
difference between a traditional film camera and a digital camera.
Aside from the difference in how the image is recorded and stored,
there is no other difference between the two.
Because digital mammography allows a radiologist to electronically
adjust, store, and retrieve digital images, digital mammography may
offer the following advantages over conventional mammography:
▪ Health care providers can share image files electronically, making
long-distance consultations with other mammography specialists
easier.
▪ Subtle differences between normal and abnormal tissues may be more
easily noted.
▪ The number of follow-up procedures needed may be fewer.
▪ Fewer repeat images may be needed, reducing the exposure to
radiation.
In January 2000, the FDA approved the use of digital mammography in
the United States. In September 2005, preliminary results from a
large clinical trial that compared digital mammography to film
mammography were published. These findings showed no difference
between digital and film mammograms in detecting breast cancer in
the general population of women in the trial. However, the
researchers concluded that women with dense breasts who are
premenopausal or perimenopausal (women who had their last menstrual
period within 12 months of their mammograms) or who are younger than
age 50 may benefit from having a digital rather than a film
mammogram.
Some health care providers recommend that women who have a very high
risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
alterations, have digital mammograms instead of conventional
mammograms.
Digital mammography can be done only in facilities that are
certified to practice conventional mammography and have received FDA
approval to offer digital mammography. The procedure for having a
mammogram with a digital system is the same as with conventional
mammography.
Is the Diagnostic
Breast Center an accredited Facility? Yes, all of
the modalities at the Diagnostic Breast Center have been accredited
by the American College of Radiology (ACR).
Why is it important to be ACR accredited?
ACR accreditation programs provide a high level of confidence for
patients, referring physicians, and managed care organizations that
only the highest quality care is being provided by accredited
facilities.
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