Mammography — well-known tool still in the mainstream

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide, making early detection crucial for improving outcomes. Mammography continues to serve as the primary diagnostic and screening tool despite the emergence of more advanced imaging modalities. This paper reviews the historical development, methodology, and limitations of mammography, including challenges posed by dense breast tissue and varying image quality. The role of advanced techniques such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is discussed, highlighting their diagnostic advantages and clinical indications. Furthermore, the paper explores the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammographic imaging. AI enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces radiologists’ workload, and supports lesion classification, though concerns remain regarding transparency, data bias, and ethical implementation. The integration of AI into clinical practice offers significant promise but necessitates con­tinued research, regulation, and training to ensure safe, equitable, and effective breast cancer diagnosis.