Clinical Mammography Physics: Emerging Practice

Mammography started as a diagnostic imaging modality and it was practiced largely in women who were symptomatic of a breast abnormality. The potential of digital mammography was envisioned on the basis of physical principles and computations, which predicted that this technology would increase tissue contrast and it would enable improved detection of tumors in dense fibroglandular tissue. The Mammography Quality Standards Act, which was enacted by the US Congress, has greatly enhanced the role and responsibilities of the medical physicist in mammography. Mammography physics surveys include of a comprehensive list of tests. The tests include radiation waveform, X-ray spectrum, spatial resolution characterization, spatial resolution under various magnification modes and system noise characterization. The recording of the radiation output as a function of the exposure time (radiation waveform) is a well-known test that is performed to diagnose problems with the x-ray generator or the x-ray tube.