Final answer:
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is used for the early detection of breast cancer by identifying lumps or regions of increased density. It is especially important as contrast in x-ray images can be subtle, making detection challenging. MRIs are also used to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mastography, also known as a mammogram, is an x-ray of the breast. It is a critical tool in the early detection of breast cancer, which is the second-leading cause of death among women worldwide. During a mammogram, x-ray imaging is used to identify any lumps or regions of increased density within the breast tissue. It's important to note that a mammogram cannot diagnose a malignant tumor; it can only provide evidence suggesting further investigation is required.
The contrast in x-ray absorption by different types of soft tissue is subtle, often making it challenging to detect abnormalities in younger women with denser breast tissue. In contrast, older women generally have more fatty tissue in the breasts, which can make it easier to spot differences attributed to lumps or tumors. As an advanced diagnostic tool, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is sometimes used in conjunction with mammography to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.