MEDRADSC 2AA3 - Lecture 2.7 - Mammography Basics

mammography

a radiographic exam designed to image the soft-tissue structures of the breast

what is unique about technical factors and the x-ray tube related to mammography compared to conventional x-ray?

mammography utilizes low energy photons for better visualization of soft-tissue structures and uses a molybdenum anode rather than a tungsten anode

what is the most common area in the breast for cancer to form?

axillary region

what does a radiologist look for when reading a mammogram?

micro calcifications, cysts, malignant lesions, irregularities and distortions in tissue and masses with irregular borders

what must mammography have in terms of image quality in order to visually depict abnormalities?

highest spatial and contrast resolution

why are low-energy photons utilized in mammography?

they provide the best differential attenuation between tissues

why is the breast compressed in mammography?

reduces OID (better spat res), less breast thickness, less scatter, better contrast resolution and lowers patient dose

what are the two standard projections in mammography?

craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique

what are the two types of mammography?

screening and diagnostic

in ontario what are the screening protocols for breast cancer in women?

women 50-74 screen every 2 years

diagnostic mammography

used to determine whether there is cancer present, DM is used in patients who are showing signs/symptoms of breast cancer, usually there are additional projections

what is different about diagnostic mammography compared to screening mammography?

DM will have additional views, they may also take magnification views for better visualization and spot compression is utilized