A comparison of various mammographic techniques using freshly amputated breasts (author's transl)

Abstract

In order to compare the performance of various mammographic techniques, xeroradiograms were obtained of sixteen freshly amputated breasts using tungsten and molybdenum rotating anodes. A film without screens (Kodak Definix Medical) and a film-screen system (screens: MR50, film Mammoray RP 3 PE FW) were employed. Exposures during xeroradiography were varied in that, when using the tungsten tube, a 2.5 mm. aluminium filter was added to the 0.5 mm. aluminium filtration inherent in the tube; when using the molybdenum tube, there was a choice between 0.03 mm. Mo. and 0.5 mm. aluminium filtration. The xeroradiograms obtained with the molydenum tube and molybdenum filter were of good quality, as were those obtained with this type of tube and nonscreen film. In view of the carcinogenetic risk of mammography, it is open to discussion whether one should aim at optimal film quality, since improved quality is associated with a higher radiation dose to the breast, or whether one should be satisfied with "adequate" quality. In our series the quality produced by the film-screen combination was, in general, acceptable. Compared with all other procedures, this system produces the lowest radiation dose of any mammographic technique. For this reason further improvements in technique, such as automatic exosure devices, film-screen packs suitable for routine use and improved quality of image are of practical interest.