Effects of Varying Exit Exposure and Energy Spectrum on the Conspicuity of Calcifications and Masses in Digitally Acquired Mammograms of Cadaveric Breasts

Abstract

Screen film mammography is currently accepted as being the best method available for the early detection of breast cancer. Digital mammography promises to replace screen film mammography as the primary screening tool of the future. The primary advantage it offers is the ability to perform image processing for optimisation of image contrast, which may be especially useful for lesion detection in patients with dense breasts [1] and may, despite its lower spatial resolution, make it more effective than conventional mammography at detecting lesions. Screen film systems are limited because there is no possibility for image contrast enhancement and hence when imaging thick or dense breasts, which require a higher energy spectrum for penetration and dose reduction, there is a loss of subject contrast resulting in a loss of calcification detection [2].