MAMMOGRAPHY INSTRUMENTATION - RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Mammography instrumentation has evolved dramatically in recent years. New, more consistent and reliable X-ray generators have been introduce d. X-ray tubes with sharper imaging capabilities, higher X-ray outputs , and photon spectra tailored for breasts of different compositions an d thicknesses are available. High resolution image receptors which req uire lower patient dose are in routine use. Scatter reduction mechanis ms allow images with higher contrast to be produced. The consistency o f mammographic diagnosis has been improved by the introduction of stri ngent quality control programs which utilize simple phantoms for image evaluation and require that the patient dose be kept low. New develop ments in breast diagnosis include the use of digital image receptors a nd stereotactic needle positioning systems. In addition, computer aide d diagnostic techniques are being developed. With currently available technology, high resolution, high contrast, and low dose images can be routinely acquired to aid in the early diagnosis of breast disease.