Physical Basis of X-ray Breast Imaging

Mammography is a specialized medical imaging that uses low energy X-rays to examine the human breast. A radiograph of the breast is called a mammogram (see also Section II, Chapter 19 of this book). The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses, microcalcifications, and architectural distortions of the breast structure. In some countries, mammography is used for breast-screening programs for women in the higher risk groups.