Mammography equipment

Mammography is one of the most technically demanding examinations in radiography. The requirements of imaging very small calcifications at the same time as low-contrast masses, at very low doses suitable for screening, have placed great demands on this imaging technology. This has resulted in the development of radiographic equipment dedicated specifically for breast imaging. In addition, the advent of digital detector technology has resulted in the pursuit of multiple new X-ray imaging modalities for breast imaging, all trying to address one or several limitations of standard mammography. In all, the last 30 years have seen exciting developments of new equipment, both for mammography and its derivatives. The fact that important innovations continue to be pursued is a testament to the extreme demands posed for this imaging task. This chapter will overview this equipment.