Mammography Machine: The Definitive Guide to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Screening

01/27/2022
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Mammography machines are used for conducting mammograms and they are quite crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer affecting American women and regular mammograms are the most effective approach for early detection.

So, what exactly is a mammography machine? What types are there? What should you look out for when buying one? Where can I get one?

This guide answers these questions and helps to keep you informed of all you need to know before buying a mammography machine.

What is a Mammography Machine?

A Mammography machine is a medical apparatus that is used to take a radiograph of the breasts. It uses low-energy X-rays (usually around 30 peak kilovoltage) to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening of breast cancer.

It is used by alternately placing a patient's breasts on a metal plate and then taking radiographs of the breasts from the side and above.

Mammography machines do not prevent cancer, but they are quite helpful in the early detection of cancer cells, particularly when the cancer cells are small and do not provide other symptoms.

A mammography machine could be referred to by other names such as Mammograph, Mammogram, Mammography System, etc.

Standard Mammography and Tomosynthesis: The Difference

Mammography has seen significant advancements in recent years and one of the most notable is the introduction of tomosynthesis.

Tomosynthesis has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration and is being used in a few hospitals. While it is similar to standard mammography, the two procedures have distinct differences.

In standard mammography, the radiologist uses a mammography machine to take X-rays of each breast from two angles i.e from top to bottom and from side to side.

In tomosynthesis, a piece of equipment called a tomograph takes multiple X-rays of each breast from many angles.

Essentially, while standard mammography uses 2-dimensional imaging(2-D) to create flat images, tomosynthesis uses 3-Dimensional imaging to look at multiple layers of the breast.

It should be noted that tomosynthesis is a new technology that requires further study before it can be implemented. As a result, tomosynthesis is only available at a few institutions, and it has not yet become the norm for breast cancer screening.

To improve the accuracy of their findings,physicians may sometimes recommend combining a 2-D mammogram with 3-D tomosynthesis on rare occasions.

Types of Mammography Machines

The two major types of mammography machines are analog or film mammography machines and digital mammography machines.

Analog or Film Mammography

Analog mammography machines use low-dose X-ray radiation to produce an image of the breast for the purpose of detecting tissue changes. The beams are then captured on film cassettes stored on film.

Digital or Full-field Digital Mammography (FFDM)Machines

Digital mammography devices work by utilizing a digital detector to capture X-ray beams of the breast. The X-ray beams are converted into electronic signals by this detector, which is then sent to a computer. It can then be sent to a high-resolution monitor for viewing

Digital mammograms are simpler to examine. The radiologist can view and work with the pictures on a computer, where they may be enhanced, enlarged, or manipulated for further examination. They may also use various filters to obtain a clearer picture of the breast in numerous cases.

Parts of a typical Mammography Machine

A mammography machine typically consists of a breast compressor, a recording medium, and an X-ray generator.

Mammography Machine Uses/Applications

Mammography machines are used in conducting mammograms. Mammograms can show calcifications and masses inside the breast.

Calcifications are white or grayish areas seen on mammograms. They appear as tiny white dots on a mammogram and are caused by calcium deposits in the breast tissue. A mass is any dense breast tissue with a distinct shape and boundaries that stand out from the rest of the breast tissue.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Mammography Machine?

Buying a mammography machine requires the consideration of several variables. Some of them are discussed below.

Know Your Needs

Identifying your patients’ needs is the first thing to consider when buying a mammography machine.

If your patients are under the age of 50, are pre-menopausal or perimenopausal, or have dense breast tissue, then you might serve them better by purchasing a digital mammography machine.

For women who do not fall into one of the above categories,film and digital mammography have comparable abilities to detect breast cancer early.

Detector Size

Detector size refers to how wide an X-ray beam can pass through a patient, allowing for more tissue in one image. The wider the field of view, the larger area that will be captured within each scan.

There are mostly two sizes of digital detectors on the digital mammography market i.e 24cm x 30cm and 18cm x 24cm.

While both sizes offer excellent image quality and all the throughput and transfer perks of digital radiography in general, their real difference comes in the form of repositioning and radiation dosing.

Most women will experience no difference in mammogram sensitivity or radiation dosage when changing from one detector size to another.

However, a full examination on a small detector system would require repositioning, many compressions, and numerous X-ray exposures for women with big or particularly dense breasts.

Buying a mammograph that has a large detector would help in minimizing the time, discomfort, and radiation exposure that they would have to undergo if they were examined with a mammograph with a small detector size.

The benefits of using the larger 24cm x 30cm detector image include the ability to crop the image to reduce data transfer, as well as the reduced need for display and storage space. In addition, there are no additional material costs.

The larger 24cm x 30cm detector device is advantageous because it allows you to crop the picture to reduce data transfer, as well as the requirement for display and storage space. There are also no added material expenses.

The bigger detector size has one disadvantage though; examination of smaller breasts may be more difficult. However, by utilizing little compression paddles in combination with the larger detector, the difficulty can be alleviated.

Image Resolution

High-resolution images are essential for the accurate detection and characterization of subtle breast abnormalities during mammography. After all,micro-calcifications might be as tiny as 100 to 200 microns.

The design and performance of the x-ray unit and image receptor, as well as how it is used to acquire and process the mammogram,all have a major impact on the quality of the images.

Thus, you would be better off getting a fully digital (DR) mammography system for your hospital as they generally have a better image resolution than screen-film (SF),or computed radiography (CR) systems.

Ease of Use and Familiarity

The ease of use and familiarity a radiologist has when using a mammography machine with staff is an important consideration when choosing the right one.

You should look for features like automatic exposure control (AEC), automated kV positioning, adjustable compression mechanism height adjustment knobs, etc. so that a radiographer does not have to adjust numerous settings every time they perform a new exam on their patients.

This helps reduce examination times while increasing efficiency.

Portability

Depending on the nature of your practice and location, portability is another feature to consider.

Portable mammography systems are quite excellent for mobile mammography services. Thus, if your practice covers several sites or satellite facilities spread across an area, then getting portable mammography would be quite helpful.

However, if you run an entirely in-house practice and in which space is not much of an issue, then getting a stationary unit might be more cost-effective as they tend to have additional features such as larger detectors and better compression mechanisms.

Durability

Buying a mammography machine that is durable, reliable, and can last long in your clinic or hospital means you are minimizing the risk of costly repairs.

The best way to determine whether a machine is durable enough for your practice or hospital is to check the manufacturer's track record.

Products that are well-made and backed by an excellent company usually last longer in clinical settings, resulting in lower costs of ownership over time.

If you choose wisely then buying mammography machines can be one cost-effective decision for it will help improve service quality while saving on costs too!

Brands

When it comes to manufacturers, it's advisable to go with reputable names that have been recognized for their high-quality goods.

The biggest manufacturers of mammography equipment include Fujifilm Corporation, GE Healthcare, Siemens, Hologic, Philips, and Toshiba Medical Systems. Each of these producers offers high-quality imaging with its excellent models.

It is advisable not to buy mammography machines that do not have the requisite certifications such as the CE, ISO, FDA, and GMP certificates. This is because there would be no way to ensure that the machine has been produced according to clear international standards and safety requirements.

Warranty

A valid warranty on a mammography machine is another important consideration when buying one. This is because the warranty ensures that you don't spend money buying something that may not work properly or last for a while.

Ensure that you make the most out of your money by going for equipment that will provide you assurance in terms of durability and the services provided.

Some warranties give assurances that products will be replaced if they break down after a specified period ranging from a year to three years.

Some mammographs also come with a warranty that ensures that goods receive financial compensation consequent upon losses caused by natural disasters or accidents during the shipping process.

But you should always ensure that you read the terms and conditions of the warranty before purchasing.

Payment Options

After deciding on what mammography machine to go for, you should ensure that the supplier you wish to buy from has a payment option that is perfect for your institution's needs and finances.

This would ensure that you get the best machines at the best prices while not being overburdened with expenses.

Suppliers such as Medwish.com offer both product financing and hospital project financing options to help you purchase the machines in a manner best tailored to your financial strength.

Mammography Machine Price guide

The cost of a mammography machine may differ, and it is considerably reliant on the year of manufacture (YOM), brand, condition, and specifications.

Some of the models of different brands as well as their price ranges are as follows:

  • The GE Senograph DMR is an analog device that costs around 18,000 USD.
  • The GE Senograph Essential is a digital device that would set you back around 57,000 USD.
  • The Fuji Amulet is a digital device that would set you back around 57,000 USD.
  • The SZSN-DC Mammography Machine costs around 90,000 USD.
  • The AG-Femaray ME Digital Mammography Machine costs around 80,000 USD.

Where to Buy Mammography Machines in Bulk With Wholesale Pricing

In case you're wondering where to get mammography machines in bulk, Medwish.com is the best platform to buy your equipment from.

Medwish.com is a worldwide B2B marketplace that specializes in the supply and procurement of medical equipment and devices.

The Medwish.com staff works with several worldwide top service providers in such areas as logistics, insurance, finance, and customs clearance, to ensure prompt delivery and quality services.

Buy Mammography Machines At Wholesale Price on Medwish.com

Buying mammography machines in bulk from Medwish.com is less expensive than buying them locally since you will pay less. It also helps to develop a close business connection.

Ultimately, buying mammography machines from Medwish.com helps you to get more facilities for your hospital or health institution and would help in saving costs without compromising on quality and safety.

Medwish.com also offers product financing options and hospital construction financing options to help secure financial collaborations and help you get the best mammography machines and other medical equipment with little financial stress.

Final Thoughts

Mammography machines remain the best means for the early detection of breast cancer. Early detection leads to better odds of treatment and survival, hence the importance of getting the best mammography machines cannot be over-emphasized.

This guide has explained what factors you should consider when buying mammography machines and the best place to get them.

Contact us at Medwish.com todayand get the best medical devices that are suited for your hospital needs.

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