Brystbilleder

Brystbilleder is a Danish term for images of the breast region. In medical contexts, it most commonly refers to mammography images used for screening and diagnosing breast disease. The term can also be used more generally to describe radiographic images of the chest or thoracic area where the breast tissue is a component, but in everyday medical practice brystbilleder usually means mammography.

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to create images of breast tissue. Standard screening typically includes two views for each breast (craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique). Digital mammography and newer tomosynthesis (3D mammography) improve lesion detection and characterization. The imaging procedure is brief, and compression of the breast helps reduce radiation dose and improve image quality.

For further evaluation, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used as adjuncts. Ultrasound is helpful for distinguishing solid from fluid-containing lesions, guiding biopsies, and evaluating palpable lumps in dense breasts. MRI is more sensitive and is often used for high-risk screening, problem-solving in dense tissue, or assessing extent of disease in known cancer.

Images are interpreted by radiologists who classify findings to guide management. Common concerns include calcifications, masses, and architectural distortion. Not all abnormalities indicate cancer; many are benign, requiring follow-up imaging, biopsy, or surveillance. Dense breast tissue can make interpretation more challenging, influencing screening strategies.

Privacy and data handling are important, as brystbilleder become part of a patient’s medical record. Digital images are stored in secure systems (PACS) and linked to clinical information, with access restricted to authorized personnel. Informed consent and clear reporting are standard parts of the imaging workflow.