One of the most recent advances in x-ray mammography is digital mammography. Digital (computerized) mammography is similar to standard mammography in that x-rays are used to produce detailed images of the breast. Digital mammography uses essentially the same mammography system as conventional mammography, but the system is equipped with a digital receptor and a computer instead of a film cassette.

A digital mammogram takes less time to perform and typically involves a lower radiation dose to the patient. It also give us the ability to optimize the image, very similar to the way you optimize a digital photograph. Images are stored electronically so the is less chance of images being lost. In addition, images can be interpreted remotely, so second opinion interpretations may become easier.

Recent studies indicate a higher cancer detection rate of digital mammography in certain patients, including those with dense breasts, those under 50 years old, and those who are pre- or peri-menopausal.

On and after January 1, 2002, film and digital mammography (screening and diagnostic) will be covered by Medicare under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Medicare will also pay for computer aided detection in addition to both digital and standard film. There are two components to this question. First, is the item or procedure a covered service for Medicare, and second, if it is covered, how and how much does Medicare pay for the item or procedure.

It is performed in the same manner as the well known mammography procedure using X-rays. However, the images are not produced on film, but are converted into storable data on a so-called detector plate. The images can be processed in a simple way: One can emphasise or enlarge small details and, above all, detect small calcifications (microcalcifications) in a better way. These calcifications, less than 1 mm in size, may be the very first sign of breast cancer.

Both digital and conventional mammography use x-ray radiation to produce an image of the breast. Conventional mammography stores the image directly on film. Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly on a computer. A digital mammogram is similar to a film mammogram. Most women may not notice the difference. Positioning and compression of the breast are identical.

I use only digital my main camera is a Canon EOS1DS Mk11 which is the best digital SLR on the market today. I have plenty of examples in my studio if you are unsure.

NEITHER is necessarily BETTER. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, the choice is increasingly weighing in favour of digital cameras, as there is far greater selection of them available and the prices on them have dropped considerably, reducing the economic advantages once enjoyed by selecting a film camera. Furhtermore, with digital, you save money because you don't have to keep buying film.

High-resolution digital imaging is considerably more flexible than traditional film. With digital images I can easily correct for exposure fluctuations, image imperfections and add a variety of special effects that allows me to make each individual image a work of art. Additionally, I can keep your investment low because there are no costs associated with traditional film and processing.

There has been a lot of publicity about digital mammography recently, and there is a lot of information available. Click here for information that helps provide answers.

Digital mammography captures the x-ray images on a digital detection rather than on x-ray film, as with conventional mammography. In January 2000, the FDA approved a digital mammography system that may offer potential advantages over the use of standard x-ray film. Studies comparing digital and conventional mammography are ongoing.

A recently developed compression plate that adjusts to the form of the breast ensures that the patient experiences much less pain on palpation.

Suspicious foci and calcifications can be detected much more easily by the digital procedure – simultaneously, the required radiation dose is significantly reduced.

It is quite difficult to answer this question in an objective manner. The first challenge is bringing the film image to the PC so that the both digital and film images can be compared side by side. this introduces several variables: The choice of scanning hardware, and the parameters of the scanning software. The next challenge is that digital and film images fall apart in different ways at the limits.

Digital mammography is performed in a similar fashion as X-ray mammography. However, the images are not produced on film but on a so-called detector plate, in the form of data that can be stored. The diagnosis is performed directly at the monitor, immediately after the images are taken. Portions of the images can be magnified and processed in a targeted manner.

Will you be able to compare past analog mammograms to digital mammograms? Your analog mammogram produced only an analog hard copy film that was read by a Radiologist. With a Digital mammogram, your image can be read and stored electronically in digital format, and may also converted from a digital image to film for reading and storage. In either case, the images can be compared from exam to exam and from digital to analog.

First, we need to think clearly about what it means to be a good photographer. This entails having the artistic sense to understand and create good compositions, the equipment to capture the image, and the know-how to control the equipment properly. Simply purchasing a digtal camera will not impove your composition skills or increase your know-how. However, there are at least three ways that digital camera technology can help you: It can help you learn faster.

Both digital photography and film photography have advantages. They both also have disadvantages. Digital photography has several advantages that are especially important in this digital age. Today, it is often not enough to have a few albums, a bunch of wallet sized pictures, and a few 8x10's. Today we want electronic slide shows. We want to put our pictures on the Internet for all to see. Today we want to e-mail pictures to all our friends and family.

Newer high-resolution digital cameras (6+ MP) approach and exceed the quality of the 35mm SLR film cameras. Price to quality ratio is still better for film cameras but the digital cameras offer many benefits such as instant previews, no cost to additional photos, computer photo editing, or private printing that film cameras cannot match.

Absolutely. As for archival qualities, film negatives are vulnerable to degradation from dust, light, heat, humidity and other elements. No matter how carefully they are stored, they will start to noticeably deteriorate and change color after about 15 years. This is due to the unstable dyes used in the traditional wet-chemical process. By comparison, photographs properly stored as high-resolution digital files on DVD are virtually impervious to environmental conditions, and can last forever.

Film is a great, fantastic 100 year old technology that has not really improved a whole lot on since it was created. Since I was young I really tried to stray away from those things that were old. But, I was a die hard fan of film and was very hard to convert to digital. This confused most people because I've been an extreme computer nerd since I was 10 and was into every technology out there. I was convinced only by print quality and the end product after months of testing.

I am strictly digital nowadays. In theatrically dark venues, the sensitivity of modern professional sensors is unbeatable!

Because early detection of breast cancer is important for successful treatment, an annual screening mammogram, digital or film, should be a part of every woman's healthcare beginning at age 40.

Both digital and conventional mammograms are effective in detecting breast changes. Only women who fit in any of these three categories would benefit from digital mammography over conventional film mammography.