Mammography instrumentation: recent developments

Mammography instrumentation has evolved dramatically in recent years. New, more consistent and reliable X-ray generators have been introduced. X-ray tubes with sharper imaging capabilities, higher X-ray outputs, and photon spectra tailored for breasts of different compositions and thicknesses are available. High resolution image receptors which require lower patient dose are in routine use. Scatter reduction mechanisms allow images with higher contrast to be produced. The consistency of mammographic diagnosis has been improved by the introduction of stringent quality control programs which utilize simple phantoms for image evaluation and require that the patient dose be kept low. New developments in breast diagnosis include the use of digital image receptors and stereotactic needle positioning systems. In addition, computer aided 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.