What are the Different Types of Mammograms?
Conventional Mammography
Traditional mammograms create diagnostic images by applying a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. Mammograms are used to monitor the breasts and assist in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. X-rays are the most frequently used form of medical imaging.
Digital Mammography
Digital mammography replaces traditional X-ray film with a digital chip to record images of the breast. This process, also known as full-field digital mammography, makes it possible for the images of the breast to be viewed on a computer monitor or printed on a special film similar to traditional mammograms.
The advantages of digital mammograms include faster image acquisition times, fewer total exposures and less patient discomfort. Breast health screenings that use digital mammograms have been proven to detect breast cancers better than conventional mammograms in three groups of women: those younger than 50, those with dense breasts and those who are pre-menopausal.