The Detection and Biopsy of Breast Diseases: Role of Imaging

Breast is a special type of soft tissue that requires dedicated imaging equipment; mammography being the dominant modality. Although it was started as early as 1940’s, it has made rapid advances in the technique during the last quarter of the 20th century, from xeromamography to fast film-screen mammography to digital MR mammography1-4. Today, mammography equipment is an essential part of the routine arma mentarium of any decent x-ray department 1 . These technical advances and dependability are a direct result of increase in the detection of breast malignancy. The speed and flow of these advances and their leading avenues are nearly bewildering. Conventional film screen mammography, also called x-ray mammography, remains a primary imaging modality extensively backed up and complemented by ultra sound. The aim of this commentary is to present an outline of these innovations in the imaging of female breast with particular reference to imaging of malignancy and a view to highlight their current applications.