Diaphanography: A method for evaluation of the female breast

Diaphanography involves transillumination of the breast with photographic registration on an intrared film. It has been used to evaluate 2 populations of patients. First, 200 women referred to our hospital were examined. In 107 patients operation was performed and the results were compared to the preoperative diaphanographic investigation. There was a good correlation between the preoperative and operative findings. Second, 1575 women without symptoms from the breast were investigated and 11 cancers were found in 10 patients. The diaphanographic method is of value both as a screening technique and as an aid in classifying palpable tumors of the breast.