Digital vs. Traditional Mammography: Cost Differences & Benefits

Medical science has evolved with time, and many equipment have been invented to help physicians deliver better treatment. One such equipment is a mammography machine. Mammography is an imaging test that helps doctors to detect abnormalities in the breast tissues. It can identify breast tumors and cancerous or abnormal tissues. 

Before mammography, X-rays were used for detecting problems in breasts. Over the years mammography also has evolved from film/traditional mammography to digital mammography. The mammography test price varies mostly based on the equipment and technology it uses. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between the two types of mammography, their benefits, and prices. 

When To Do Mammography?

This test is prescribed by doctors when a woman experiences pain in the breast, some discharge from nipples, or feels a lump in the breast area. Sometimes, doctors prescribe this test for screening to women who have a family history of breast cancer. 

What Is Traditional Mammography?

A traditional mammography is a breast imaging test using X-rays. The beams pass through the breast and form an image in the screen film. This test produces clearer images of the breast tissues in a shorter time than the X-ray imaging test. A traditional mammography test price is higher than X-ray imaging.

What Is Digital Mammography?

A digital mammography is also an imaging test that uses the same process and X-rays for detecting abnormalities in breast tissue. Unlike traditional mammography, here the information gathered during the test is converted to electrical signals that are readable by computers. The attached computer then forms a high-resolution image of the breast tissues. This digital test provides a clearer image than traditional mammography. That is why the digital mammography test price is higher than the traditional one.

Differences and Benefits

Both the mammography use X-rays to detect breast tissue abnormalities and the process of conducting the tests is almost similar. However, the information storage process is different for both. This one aspect of these tests brought many differences between them besides mammography test price. Let us discuss them.

Radiation

The unit of radiation used in traditional mammography is more than digital mammography tests. So we can consider digital mammography as less harmful. 

Time

Digital mammography takes less time to process the result images compared to traditional mammography.

Image Quality

The image quality of the digital mammography is way higher than the traditional one. Digital mammography provides clear, high-resolution images with options to zoom in on the image for a better understanding of the result.

Storage

The storage of the result images derived from digital mammography is very simple. As they do not have any physical presence, one can easily transfer them from one computer to another through the internet or other devices. Traditional mammography uses films like X-ray reports, and you have to store them carefully.

Prices

The diagnostic centers need to use the latest equipment for digital mammography, which is costly. On the other hand, traditional mammography does not need any upgraded equipment. So the digital mammography test price is higher than the traditional one.

Mammography Test Price

Besides technological advancement, the test price varies from state to state. A traditional mammography test price in Delhi can vary from Rs.1500 to Rs.3000. In contrast, the digital mammography test price can vary from Rs.2500 to Rs.5000.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that mammography is a useful imaging test. This test can help with the early detection of breast cancer or tumors and can save lives. The upgraded digital version is preferred as it provides a clearer image and helps understand the condition with adjustments. Irrespective of the mammography test price variation, you must go by the doctor's prescription. Contact Janta X-Ray the most trusted diagnostic center in Delhi.