Final answer:
For high-quality breast cancer detection images, physicians should order a computed tomography (CT) scan, which provides detailed cross-sectional and three-dimensional images to evaluate the breast tissue more effectively than traditional mammograms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain a sharp, crisp digital image of the breast used for cancer detection, the physician should order a computed tomography (CT) scan. A mammogram is useful for initial screenings and can indicate the presence of a lump or an area of increased density, but it cannot diagnose a malignant tumor. Current advancements in medical imaging technology, like the CT scan, provide highly-detailed images by rotating around the patient and taking x-rays from multiple directions. The x-rays are then processed using complex computer algorithms to create detailed cross-sectional images, and these can be further analyzed to produce three-dimensional reconstructions of the breast tissue. CT scans have been shown to give more sophisticated images over traditional two-dimensional x-rays and, therefore, can provide better contrast and detail, crucial for earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer. Additionally, for cases where more contrast is necessary, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can be used as a supplement to further improve detection rates and reduce false positives.