Full-field digital mammography

Due to the extremely high image quality requirements in mammography, there has for a long time been no adequate digital alternative to conventional fi lm-screen mammography. The longest experience so far exists with digital ma mmography on the basis of storage phosphor (CR) systems. However, at normal dose this technique has a relatively poor signal-to-noise ratio and has no t found general acceptance. Recently three novel systems for digital mammog raphy by the companies Fischer (slot-scan detector), Trex (CCD-array), and GE (amorphous silicon detector) have been introduced and are currently unde r clinical investigation. The main advantage of digital mammography is the linear relationship between dose and detector signal with the possibility o f a tailored optimization of image contrast. Other advantages include digit al image storage, telemammography, and computer-assisted diagnosis.