What is digital mammography?
Digital mammography is a mammography system where x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special films that look like regular mammograms.

How is digital mammography different from film mammography?
Both digital and film mammography use X-rays to produce an image of the breast and require similar breast compression to acquire a high quality image. In film mammography, which has been used for over 35 years, the image is created directly on a film. While standard film mammography is very good, it is less sensitive for women who have dense breasts. Prior studies have suggested that approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of breast cancers that were detected by breast self-examination or physical examination are not visible on film mammography. A major limitation of film mammography is the film itself. Once a film mammogram is obtained, it cannot be significantly altered; if the film is underexposed, for example, contrast is lost and cannot be regained. Digital mammography takes an electronic image of the breast and stores it directly in a computer. Digital mammography uses less radiation than film mammography. Digital mammography allows improvement in image storage and transmission because images can be stored and sent electronically. Radiologists also can use software to help interpret digital mammograms. One of the obstacles to greater use of digital mammography is its cost, with digital systems currently costing approximately 1.5 to 4 times more than film systems.

Advantage of Digital Mammography
The studies show that digital mammography is significantly better that film mammography in screening women who were under age 50, or women of any age who had very dense breasts.

CAD and Mammography
Computer-aided detection (CAD) is used by increasing numbers of radiologists as "a second pair of eyes" when reading mammograms. Radiologists review a mammogram then activate the CAD software and re-evaluate the marked area(s) before issuing a final report. Clinical trials demonstrated that use of the ImageChecker system can result in earlier detection of up to 23.4% of cancers currently detected with screening mammography in those women who had a prior screening mammogram nine to 24 months earlier. CAD has received broad support from radiologists, the American College of Radiology, Medicare, The FDA, and patient advocacy groups. The American Cancer Society has recognized the benefits of CAD as a technology for breast cancer screening in women of average risk. Recently updated guidelines state: " …CAD systems may aid the average radiologist by substantially improving detection of early stage malignancies with no more than a proportionate increase in recall rate." Independent prospective studies from clinical sites have shown an 8-19% increase in cancer detection from academic 4,3 and community 1,2 practices, respectively, with the use of the ImageChecker system.

What is CAD?
Computer-aided detection (CAD) refers to sophisticated pattern recognition software radiologists use to help them read medical images. This software identifies features on medical images and brings them to the attention of the radiologist in order to decrease false negative readings. It does not replace the imaging technology; rather it is an interpretive aid to be used during image review. R2 Technology pioneered the use of CAD for mammography in 1998 when the ImageChecker® system became the first CAD system approved by the FDA for screening mammography. The ImageChecker CAD system was also the first system approved for use with diagnostic and digital mammography. More than eight million women a year have their mammograms interpreted with the aid of this leading CAD system. R2 Technology applied+ its mammography CAD expertise in the area of multi-detector CT (MDCT) chest exams and in July 2004 received FDA approval for its ImageChecker® CT Lung CAD system, the first CAD system to receive approval for the detection of solid lung nodules during review of MDCT chest exams.