Mammographs

Main article: Radiology (radiation diagnostics)

Mammography is a highly accurate method of X-ray diagnosis of diseases of the mammary glands, which allows detecting pathological changes in the structure of the breast even in the early stages of development. With the help of specialized equipment, malignant lesions, fibroadenomatosis (mastopathy), cysts and other ailments can be diagnosed. Mammography is recommended for both diagnostic and prophylactic purposes.

Indications and contraindications for mammography

Indications for performing mammography are: compressions, pain and/or swelling in the breast area, change in the shape and/or color of the nipple, discharge from the nipples, enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, as well as examination before surgery and monitoring rehabilitation. From a preventive point of view, examinations for women after 40 years are recommended to take place once every two years, and after 50 years - annually: this is necessary for early diagnosis and initial detection of pathological changes.

X-ray mammograph - a specialized X-ray diagnostic apparatus used for breast images

According to WHO estimates breast cancer , 2.3 million women were diagnosed in 2020, while 685 thousand cases death from this disease were registered in the world. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million patients in the world who have been diagnosed with malignant formations breasts over the past five years. Mammography helps to detect cancer in the early stages, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

At the same time, there are a number of contraindications. This is, in particular, pregnancy and breastfeeding. A relative contraindication is the age of up to 35, when X-rays have more influence on the body. These patients are more often prescribed ultrasound (ultrasound ). In addition, pain plays a role: mammography is carried out from the 5th to the 12th days of the menstrual cycle (counting from the first day), when the glandular tissue is almost not swollen and painless. In the absence of menstruation, the study can be performed on any day.

Principle of operation and types of mammograms

The mammography procedure is similar to a traditional X-ray. But at the same time, the mammary gland is compressed between two plates, which is necessary to reduce its thickness and increase the efficiency of measurements. In connection with this feature, in certain types of diseases, patients may have painful sensations and pronounced discomfort. The main advantage of mammography over other diagnostic methods is the accuracy of the data obtained, the high information content and the ease of the procedure itself, which lasts several minutes.

Mammograph allows you to get a full-fledged picture, so neoplasms and other pathologies are best detected, including in the early stages

The principle of operation of the mammograph is associated with the use of low-dose X-ray radiation to obtain images of the internal structures of the breast. This radiation passes from the X-ray tube through breast tissues, is absorbed to varying degrees by different tissues, and enters the receiver (digital or on a cassette with an analog film), thus a "pattern" of the breast structure appears on the image. The standard mammography is to obtain 4 images: 2 images of each breast in direct and oblique projections, this allows you to study structures from different angles and reduce the likelihood of false positive or false negative finds, "Anton Grushin, head in the field of radiation diagnostics at the Moscow Regional Research Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky.

Analogue mammography

This method involves forming an image on a film. Glare or white spots in the picture may indicate the presence of pathology. A developing unit is required to obtain the result. Created images cannot be edited; in addition, they will not be able to be restored in the event of loss. Analog mammographs are easy to maintain and relatively affordable in terms of cost, but have low performance and require constant purchase of consumables.

Digital mammography

Main article: Digital mammography

In such devices, the image is formed using a special matrix, and the finished images are recorded on digital media and displayed on the monitor. When using a digital system, there is no need for equipment for installing and processing films or cassettes. Digitally produced images are highly detailed and can be scaled and processed. Special software makes it possible to optimize images and detect pathologies with high efficiency. The resulting files may be archived or, for example, sent instantly to another medical facility. Another important advantage of such systems is the minimum radiation doses. The disadvantage of digital equipment is the high cost.

Many mammographs provide the possibility of targeted biopsy under X-ray control

Digital mammographs with tomosynthesis

These are the most modern devices that allow you to perform three-dimensional tissue scanning. This type of diagnosis involves layer-by-layer scanning of the breast, which makes it possible to clearly determine the contours and structures. X-rays are supplied in a dosed manner, due to which the load on the body is reduced. As a result, a full-fledged 3D reconstruction of the breast is carried out with high accuracy and information content. This approach minimizes the number of false positive diagnoses and avoids unnecessary additional procedures to assess the state of breast tissue.

Version

In terms of design, mammographs are divided into mobile and stationary. Devices of the first type are more compact: they are equipped with wheels for transportation, which allows them to be used, including during field work. Inpatient systems have enhanced functionality, but their use is possible only in medical institutions

Hologic Mammograph

Side effects

The use of mammography has practically no side effects in conventional diagnostic procedures. Obtaining an accurate and informative result significantly outweighs the risk of X-ray irradiation. In addition, modern systems are endowed with dosimetric controls to minimize radiation. At the same time, there are radiation loads on the body, the values ​ ​ of which are summed up: therefore, too often performing the procedure can be dangerous for the patient.

The side effects from mammography can vary and depend on various factors such as age, health, and radiation dose. One possible side effect is breast tenderness due to breast compression. Minor bruising or skin irritation may also occur. However, in general, mammography is a safe and effective method of diagnosing breast cancer and allows it to be detected in the early stages, which increases the chances of successful treatment, "said Andrei Zanorin, Deputy Director of the FGBU" Clinical Hospital No. 1 "of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation.

One of the main side effects when mammography is used is that the method can produce false positive results. This is alarming for the patient and often leads to the appointment of additional studies, such as biopsies, without their need.

Chronicle

2025: 4D mammograph released that detects breast cancer at molecular level

At the end of August 2025, the American startup Calidar introduced an innovative 4D mammography system that takes the accuracy of diagnosing malignant breast lesions to a new level. This imaging platform uses X-ray diffraction and artificial intelligence to conduct research at the molecular level. Read more here.

2024

Global Mammography Market Volume Up 7.5% Year-on-Year to Reach $2.58 Billion

In 2024, costs in the global mammogram market amounted to $2.58 billion. For comparison, a year earlier, expenses in this segment were estimated at $2.4 billion. Thus, an increase of 7.5% was recorded. This is stated in a study by Grand View Research, the results of which Zdrav.Expert reviewed at the end of June 2025.

Mammographs are devices for non-invasive breast examination. Such equipment allows you to take pictures on which you can detect minimal changes in the structure of tissues. Diagnostic devices make it possible to detect cysts, tumors, calcinates and other neoplasms.

The study says that the demand for mammographs is growing steadily, and one of the drivers of the industry, analysts call the increase in the prevalence of breast cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 2.3 million patients were diagnosed with this disease and caused 670 thousand deaths worldwide. Breast cancer occurs in women of any age after reaching puberty, with incidence rates increasing with age. Against the background of an aging population, this problem is aggravated. In 2022, 83% of invasive breast cancers were diagnosed in women aged 50 and over, according to data from the American Cancer Society. In such conditions, the demand for diagnostic procedures, and therefore for mammography equipment, increases. The examination is recommended for all women over 40 years of age annually, and in case of risk of benign and malignant tumors, it may be prescribed at an earlier age.

Another driver of the market is technological advances. In particular, devices for digital tomosynthesis continue to be improved. Such devices during the procedure receive many images of the mammary gland from different angles, which allows for 3D visualization. This method helps to identify pathologies that may be invisible in traditional 2D mammography.

Artificial intelligence has a significant impact on the market. Neural networks are able to analyze medical images with high efficiency for the presence of malignant and benign neoplasms. This eliminates errors associated with the human factor. As a result, the diagnostic accuracy increases, which helps to determine the optimal course of therapy (if necessary). In addition, the burden on medical personnel is reduced, which allows more patients to be served per unit time.

From a technical point of view, the digital mammography segment dominated in 2024, which accounted for 59.82% of revenue. At the same time, the highest growth rates are observed in the field of devices with the function of tomosynthesis (3D). In regional terms, North America leads, whose share is estimated at 35.5% in the total market volume, which corresponds to about $0.92 billion. But the highest growth rates are recorded in the Asia-Pacific region. Significant players on a global scale are named:

• Hologic;
• Analogic;
• Canon Medical Systems;
• Fujifilm;
• Siemens Healthcare;
• Toshiba;
• GE HealthCare;
• Metaltronica S.p.A;
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.;
• Planmed Oy.

Analysts at Grand View Research believe that in the future, the average annual growth rate in complex percentages (CAGR) in the market under consideration will be 10.5%. Thus, by 2030, mammography sales may increase to $4.67 billion.^[1]

Siemens releases first 3D mammography system that doesn't need breast biopsy

On September 30, 2024, Siemens Healthineers announced the release of the mammography system in the next generation 3D Mammomat B.brilliant. Thanks to the use of this complex, there is no need for breast biopsy. More. here.

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