Image Quality in Mammography

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Abstract
Image quality in mammography is affected by the shape, size and X-ray absorption properties of the anatomic part or lesion to be radiographed in addition to X-ray beam quality, geometric unsharpness and the resolution, characteristic curve and noise properties of the recording system. X-ray energy spectra, modulation transfer functions, Wiener spectra, characteristic and gradient curves and radiographs of a beast phantom and a resected breast specimen containing microcalcifications were reviewed. These factors, and the complex relationship between them, affect image quality and patient radiation exposure. Evaluation of the best system or technique for obtaining a breast image is discussed in terms of the compromise between diagnostic certainty and cost or risks in breast cancer detection.