Why was the curved compression device replaced by a flat compression device in mammography positioning?

The replacement of the curved compression device with a flat compression device in mammography positioning is primarily due to how breast tissue is managed during imaging. With the curved design, the breast tissue can be positioned in a way that causes it to superimpose under the curvature of the ribs and lung field. This can interfere with the visibility of lesions or abnormalities, as the overlapping tissue may obscure critical areas that need to be evaluated.

In contrast, a flat compression device allows for a more uniform distribution of breast tissue over the imaging receptor, which minimizes tissue overlap and enhances the clarity of the mammogram. This improved positioning helps radiologists detect potential abnormalities more effectively, leading to better diagnostic outcomes. Thus, the shift to flat compression devices enhances both the quality of the images and the accuracy of breast cancer detection.