Here are some examples of some imaging techniques that have been recently developed or are in various stages of clinical trials. The FDA recently approved the first digital mammography system based on its safety and effectiveness in clinical trials.
Conventional mammography uses X-rays to look for tumors or suspicious areas in the breasts.
Digital mammography also uses X-rays, but the data is collected on computer instead of on a piece of film. This means that the image can be computer-enhanced, or areas can be magnified. Eventually, a computer could in certain appropriate situations, screen digital mammograms, theoretically detecting suspicious areas that human error might miss. Digital mammography images of the same woman show more detail. Images courtesy of Dr. Laurie Fajardo, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.