Digital Mammography

Digital mammography takes an electronic image and stores the data directly onto a computer, eliminating the need for film. This allows the data to be enhanced to increase the image quality, magnified to pinpoint specific areas, and/or manipulated for further evaluation. The image can also be printed on film, if needed. Studies show that digital mammography is more accurate for women under the age of 50 (pre-menopausal) and those with dense breast tissue.

What are the benefits of digital mammography?

Digital mammography allows radiologists to electronically manipulate the digital images, potentially saving patients from undergoing additional views.  However these views may still be necessary to make a diagnosis. The ability to manipulate the digital images has been shown to improve the sensitivity of mammography in women with dense breast tissue.