A number of screening techniques may be used in addition to mammography to provide complementary information on the patient or to backstop the radiologist. These include:
Computer-aided detection: The accuracy of traditional mammography depends in part on breast density as well as the expertise of the radiologist interpreting the image. CAD adds a computer scan as a second look. If the software identifies suspicious areas that the radiologist missed, he or she can go back and re-evaluate.
Digital mammography: This evolving technique shows mammographic images on a computer display rather than traditional film. This allows the radiologist to manipulate the image--to magnify an area, say, or look at the image in slices--to gain better perspective. The technique also permits the images to be sent electronically to other radiologists or hospital centers. This can be especially helpful when comparing images taken recently with those taken in previous years.
Magnetic resonance imagery: Because of its ability to reveal small tumors not easily detected on regular mammograms, an MRI may be appropriate for individuals at high risk, especially younger women with dense breasts. Currently, it is not viewed as an appropriate option for women who are not at high risk because it is costly and results in false positives. Further, not all institutions have the capability of biopsying all abnormalities found through MRI.
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