Xeromammography

Xeromammography (pronounced: ze-ro-mam-og-raphy) is a specific type of mammography that uses xeroradiography, a dry process of creating radiographic images, to examine the breast for the detection of breast cancer.

Etymology

The term "xeromammography" is derived from the Greek words "xeros" meaning dry, "mammos" meaning breast, and "graphy" meaning to write or record.

Procedure

In a xeromammography procedure, the breast is compressed between two plates, and an x-ray is taken. The x-ray film is then electrically charged and dusted with a powder, which adheres to the charged areas, creating an image of the breast tissue. This method was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s but has largely been replaced by more modern techniques such as digital mammography and breast tomosynthesis.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Xeromammography was praised for its ability to provide clear images of dense breast tissue, making it easier to detect abnormalities. However, the procedure was also criticized for its high radiation doses and the discomfort caused by the breast compression.

Related Terms

Mammography: A technique using X-rays to diagnose and locate tumors of the breasts.
Xeroradiography: A type of X-ray imaging in which a picture of the body is formed on a coated metal plate.
Breast Tomosynthesis: A 3D mammography imaging technique that can provide a clearer view of breast tissue.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Xeromammography
Wikipedia's article - Xeromammography

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Xeromammography