There are several new techniques being developed to help physicians both detect abnormalities and to distinguish whether they are cancerous or noncancerous.

• Digital tomosynthesis. This technique uses x-rays of each breast from different angles which are combined to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. The ability to look at cross-sections of the breast can reduce the problem of overlapping tissues that often appears on traditional mammograms. It is hoped that this technology eventually will improve detection of breast cancer in the early stages, while also reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies. However, at this point, digital tomosynthesis is available only for research purposes.
  
  
• Full-field digital mammography (FFDM). Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this technique involves taking digital images of the breast. Digital images are captured electronically and can be viewed on a computer. Their magnification, brightness and contrast can be adjusted and enhanced to better reveal abnormalities. These images can be transmitted electronically to other locations for additional opinions from other experts. Initial studies indicate that digital mammography may be more effective in detecting cancer in women under the age of 50, premenopausal and perimenopausal women and women with dense breasts. However, research continues on whether digital mammography is more effective, overall, than conventional mammography for the detection of breast cancer.  Digital mammography is not yet widely available in the United States.
  
  
• Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD). Computers can help detect information from a mammogram that a radiologist might miss. A machine converts the standard x-ray mammogram to a digital image, which is analyzed by a computer. The computer displays the image with markers that indicate potential trouble spots. The FDA has approved some of these devices. Studies of CAD have produced mixed results. Some physicians believe these devices can provide valuable insights, while others complain that the machines can falsely identify abnormalities, leading to unnecessary biopsies. Recent studies have shown that CAD can improve the detection rate of smaller tumors.
  
  
• New scanning devices. Research continues into new scanning techniques that may be more useful in identifying tumors in denser breasts and in areas closer to the chest wall or underarms.