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AAPM/RSNA Physics Tutorial for Residents

Digital Mammography: An Overview¹

¹ From The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, JHOC Suite 4235, 601 N Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21287-0856. From the AAPM/RSNA Physics Tutorial at the 2003 RSNA scientific assembly. Received May 12, 2004; revision requested June 17 and received June 30; accepted July 15. The author has no financial relationships to disclose. Address correspondence to the author (e-mail: mmahesh@jhmi.edu).

Abstract

Recent advances in digital detector technology have paved the way to full-field digital mammography (FFDM) systems. The performance of these systems has evolved to the point where replacement of screen-film mammography (SFM) systems is becoming realistic. Despite some commonality between the two techniques, there are fundamental differences in how images are recorded, displayed, and stored. These differences necessitate an understanding of the principles of detection and the characteristics of digital images. Several approaches have been taken in the development of FFDM systems: (a) slot scanning with a scintillator and a charge-coupled device (CCD) array, (b) a flat-panel scintillator and an amorphous silicon diode array, (c) a flat-panel amorphous selenium array, (d) a tiled scintillator with fiberoptic tapers and a CCD array, and (e) photostimulable phosphor plates (computed radiography). Although the initial cost of an FFDM system is high compared with that of an SFM system, digital mammography has inherent advantages, such as wide dynamic range, reduction in recall rates, potential for reduction in radiation dose, increased patient throughput, postprocessing capability, and digital acquisition. These advantages and the rapidly occurring technologic developments will help establish FFDM as a mainstay of breast evaluation.

© RSNA, 2004

Index Terms: Breast neoplasms, radiography, 00.1215, 00.30 • Breast radiography, technology, 00.1215 • Physics • Radiography, digital, 00.1215

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