According to the national cancer institute, a mammogram is an x-ray vision of the human breast. The x-ray vision is used for screening purposes in facilitating the detection of tumors in the breast as well as microcalcifications such as calcium deposits that are critical in the detection of breast cancer. Mammograms used for diagnostic purposes in cases where the patient exhibits symptoms of cancer, and a tumor already detected in the breast.
The diagnostic mammogram requires more time, thus, longer exposure to radiation of x-rays to obtain images from all possible angles of the breasts. Enhancement of pictures of suspicious areas is critical to assist the diagnosis process by the doctor.
History of the Mammogram
Since the mammography …show more content…
MRI is a good technique since it is perceived to be more sensitive than a mammography and the two are being combined to give results that are more reliable.
Breast ultrasound is also an alternative in the screening of breast due to its low intensity, often recommended to younger women due to their breast tissue being dense. Unfortunately, the option is not sensitive enough to stand alone as a breast cancer screening technique. Thermography is a technique that is gaining popularity in the United States as it can detect abnormalities in the breasts through surface temperature changes.
Conclusion
In the last ten years, the medical fraternity has advanced in intense research and development of alternatives to mammography as a screening technique. The options mentioned earlier are still being tested and are yet to prove that they can stand on their own. The findings bring us to the conclusion that the mammography is still the leading and most reliable screening and diagnosis technique for breast