Improved Image Quality Film-Cassette for Mammography

Despite advances in other techniques, standard X-ray transmission film mammography is by farthe most common clinical diagnostic tool for detecting breast cancer. Unfortunately, the spatialresolution of mammograms taken with existing systems is still below that needed to allow visualizationof the very small tumors associated with incipient cancer. The fundamental factor limiting the spatialresolution of film mammograms is not the spatial resolution of the film itself, but rather the convertorphosphors which are included in the film cassette to provide the sensitivity needed to allow reasonablefilms to be made without subjecting patients to unacceptable levels of radiation. We will develop a newmammographic film cassette which will greatly improve the spatial resolution and clarity of images takenwith existing film radiography systems. This cassette, which will be readily exchangeable with existingunits, will contain an advanced convertor phosphor capable of providing the required sensitivity withoutthe present deterioration of the spatial resolution now caused by the existing convertor layers. With thiscassette, it will be possible to take greatly improved mammograms with existing equipment and withno increase in patient dose.