Three words: Fuji Computed Radiology.
While the name of a camera company is a wee bizarre to see when talking about mammography, this shit seems pretty cool.
Digital technology has been used for other types of X-rays for almost two decades, but breast cancer was never really possible because of the high resolution that was required. Now younger women (and with lovely lady lumpy or dense breasts) in particular can take advantage of digital mammography.
This is partly in response to the existence of occasional misdiagnoses from traditional film mammograms. A study done last year showed that digital mammography diagnosed 28% more cancers in women under 50 with dense breasts, therefore making it a better option.
And while digital X-raying was always super expensive for hospitals to buy, this new technology will be sold for a significant amount cheaper.
But we’re talking about the hospitals' cost, not the patients'. Would they have the same access and cost as a film mammogram? (My misgivings towards the medical industry are kicking in.)
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why don't hospitals switch over to ultrasound for breast cancer detection? A few years back I had a breast lump (turned out to be a beignin fibroadenoma- a breast 'mouse' they called it-) and after my doctor noticed the lump I had an ultrasound to determine its shape.
why don't hospitals switch over to ultrasound for breast cancer detection? A few years back I had a breast lump (turned out to be a beignin fibroadenoma- a breast 'mouse' they called it-) and after my doctor noticed the lump I had an ultrasound to determine its shape. I still don't why they continue with x-rays for the breast when ultrasounds, MRIs and CAT scans can give more detailed pictures of the body, especially soft tissues.