Potential Advantages of Digital Mammography

Digital mammography is a relatively recent addition to breast imaging that allows data captured during a mammogram to be enhanced, magnified and manipulated for further evaluation, unlike traditional screen-film mammograms.

Research has shown that digital mammography may be particularly important in detecting breast abnormalities in women who have dense breasts, which make it difficult to view abnormalities on screen-film mammograms.

Further, the National Cancer Institute states that digital mammography may offer the following advantages:

• Long distance consultations with other specialists may be easier 
• Subtle differences may be more easily noted 
• The number of follow-up procedures may be fewer
• Fewer repeat images may be needed, reducing the patient’s exposure to radiation

Digital mammography can only be done in certified mammography facilities that have received FDA approval to offer digital mammography.