Clinical diaphanography--its present perspective

The application of nonionizing radiations and magnetism in clinical medical diagnosis has been rapidly increasing. The incorporation of these techniques into the armamentarium of the diagnostic roentgenologist warrants a change in nonmenclature to diagnostic imageologists. This review of the clinical applications of diaphanography covers the period of simple light source examination of the 1930s to the present sophisticated imaging with infrared film or videcon T.V. computerized format. Light physics of the infrared spectrum is well known, however experimental data of the mechanism of transillumination or normal and abnormal breasts are being investigated. A short discussion of breast anatomy and pathology including benign and malignant is basic to the clinical evaluation technique. A realistic appraisal of the application, the limitations of the technique and the current ongoing investigative studies in the European and American literatures are reviewed. Other noninvasive breast diagnostic techniques of thermography, ultrasound, and NMR are included as well as mammography in the diagnosis of breast disease and cancer.