Learn About Solis Mammography Technology

What Is Solis Mammography Technology

Solis is a type of mammography system created by Hologic, a medical device company. Mammography refers to X-ray imaging specifically designed to examine breast tissue. The Solis system represents a newer generation of mammography equipment that healthcare facilities use to screen for and diagnose breast conditions.

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Traditional mammography has been used since the 1960s, but technology continues to evolve. The Solis system builds on decades of research and development to improve how breast tissue appears in images. Instead of using film like older mammography machines, Solis uses digital technology to capture and display breast images on computer screens. This digital approach allows radiologists—doctors who specialize in reading medical images—to view images in different ways and adjust contrast or brightness to see details more clearly.

The Solis mammography system is FDA-cleared, meaning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reviewed the technology and determined it meets safety and performance standards. FDA clearance does not mean the device is "perfect" or works for every patient, but rather that scientific evidence supports its use for breast imaging in medical settings.

Facilities that use Solis include hospitals, breast centers, and imaging clinics. Radiologists at these facilities use the system to perform routine screening mammograms (for people without symptoms) and diagnostic mammograms (for people with symptoms or concerning findings). The system also supports additional imaging techniques like tomosynthesis, which creates three-dimensional images of breast tissue.

Practical takeaway: Solis is a modern, digital mammography system used in medical facilities. Knowing your facility uses Solis technology may help you understand what type of equipment will be used during your breast imaging procedure.

How Solis Mammography Works

The Solis system uses X-rays to create images of breast tissue. Understanding how the process works can help reduce anxiety about the procedure. When you have a mammogram using Solis, you stand in front of the machine while a technologist positions your breast between two flat surfaces called a compression paddle and a detector. The detector is a panel that captures the X-ray image.

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X-rays are a form of radiation that passes through body tissue. Different tissues absorb X-rays at different rates. Denser tissues, like bone and areas of dense breast tissue, appear lighter on the image because they block more X-rays. Fatty tissues appear darker because they allow more X-rays to pass through. This difference in appearance helps radiologists distinguish between normal tissue and areas that may need further review.

The compression step is important for image quality. When the breast is compressed between the two surfaces, the tissue flattens slightly. This spreading allows for clearer images because overlapping tissue doesn't obscure details. Compression also reduces the amount of X-ray radiation needed, since the X-rays don't have to travel as far through tissue. Most people find compression uncomfortable, and some describe it as painful, but it typically lasts only a few seconds per image.

Solis specifically uses technology called full-field digital mammography (FFDM). With FFDM, the entire breast is exposed to X-rays at once, and a digital detector captures the image. The image is then stored as a digital file on a computer. This digital approach offers several advantages over older film-based systems: radiologists can adjust image settings to see details better, images can be easily shared between facilities, and the images are stored permanently without needing physical film.

Many Solis systems also offer tomosynthesis capability, sometimes called 3D mammography. During tomosynthesis, the X-ray source moves in a small arc above the breast while taking multiple images at different angles. Computer software then combines these images to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. This three-dimensional view can help radiologists see through overlapping tissue that might obscure findings on traditional two-dimensional images.

Practical takeaway: Solis creates images by passing X-rays through breast tissue and capturing digital pictures. The compression and digital technology work together to produce clear images with lower radiation doses than older systems.

Key Features and Improvements of Solis Technology

The Solis mammography system includes several design features intended to improve imaging and user experience. One notable feature is its advanced detector technology. The detectors in Solis systems are designed to be highly sensitive to X-rays while minimizing noise—the grainy appearance that can make details harder to see. Better sensitivity means clearer images and potentially lower radiation doses needed to obtain diagnostic-quality pictures.

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Solis systems typically include ergonomic design elements meant to make the procedure more comfortable for patients. The positioning of the equipment and the design of the compression paddles aim to reduce patient discomfort during positioning and compression. While mammography compression will always involve some pressure on the breast, thoughtful equipment design may reduce unnecessary discomfort from awkward positioning or poorly designed surfaces.

Another significant feature is image processing and analysis tools. Solis systems include software that enhances contrast, adjusts brightness, and applies other filters to images. These tools allow radiologists to view the same image in multiple ways to look for subtle details that might indicate cancer or other conditions. Some versions of Solis include artificial intelligence tools that can flag areas of concern for radiologist review, though the radiologist makes the final interpretation of all images.

The Solis system supports multiple imaging modes beyond standard two-dimensional mammography. In addition to traditional mammography and tomosynthesis, some facilities using Solis can perform supplemental imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI in the same location. This capability allows comprehensive breast imaging in one visit when medically necessary.

Quality assurance is built into Solis systems. The machines perform regular calibration checks to ensure consistent image quality over time. Facilities using Solis are required by regulations to participate in quality assurance programs, which include regular image review, physicist testing of equipment, and technologist training. These requirements help maintain high standards across all facilities using the technology.

Practical takeaway: Solis technology includes advanced detectors, image processing tools, and quality safeguards designed to produce clear images and reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Radiation Safety and Dose Considerations

All mammography involves exposure to X-ray radiation, so understanding radiation dose is important. Radiation exposure carries a small risk of causing cancer over time, though the risk from mammography is considered very small. The benefit of finding breast cancer through mammography generally outweighs the risk from radiation exposure, especially for women over age 40 and those at higher risk for breast cancer.

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The average radiation dose from a standard two-view mammogram (images taken from two angles) using modern digital systems is approximately 1.4 to 1.5 millisieverts (mSv) per breast, or about 2.8 to 3 mSv for both breasts combined. To put this in perspective, the average person in the United States receives about 3 mSv of radiation annually from natural sources like cosmic rays and radioactive elements in soil. However, this natural radiation is spread throughout the year, while mammography delivers radiation in a brief exposure, which is an important distinction.

The Solis system, like other modern full-field digital mammography systems, uses lower radiation doses than older film-based systems. Studies have shown that digital mammography can deliver comparable image quality with 20 to 30 percent less radiation in some cases. The advanced detector technology in Solis contributes to this efficiency by requiring less radiation to produce diagnostic-quality images.

Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) does involve additional radiation compared to standard two-dimensional mammography. A typical tomosynthesis examination delivers roughly 1.5 to 2 times the radiation of a standard mammogram. However, the additional radiation dose is still considered small in absolute terms, and the potential benefit of improved detection through three-dimensional imaging may justify this increase in certain clinical situations.

Facilities using Solis must follow established guidelines for keeping radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable while maintaining diagnostic quality. This principle, called ALARA, guides radiation safety practices. Technologists are trained to position patients correctly to avoid repeat images, and equipment is regularly tested to ensure it's functioning properly and not delivering unnecessary radiation.

For women concerned about radiation exposure, it's worth noting that the risk from untreated breast cancer is substantially greater than the risk from the radiation used in mammography. Women should discuss their individual risk factors and screening needs with their healthcare provider to determine whether mammography is appropriate for them