What does increased scatter in an image generally lead to?

Increased scatter in an image generally leads to lost details, primarily because scatter adds unwanted noise to the image. When X-ray photons interact with tissues and structures, not all photons are absorbed or pass through in a direct line to the detector. Scatter occurs when some of these photons change direction and spread out, resulting in areas of the image that can appear hazy or indistinct.

The presence of scatter contributes to a reduction in contrast and detail in mammography images. High-quality mammography relies on the ability to discern subtle differences in tissue density, which can be obscured by scatter. Therefore, excessive scatter can severely compromise the diagnostic capabilities of mammographic imaging, making it more challenging to identify abnormalities such as tumors or calcifications.

In contrast, improved image quality, no effect on the image, and shorter exposure time do not accurately describe the outcome of increased scatter. Enhanced image quality typically requires techniques to minimize scatter, while no effect contradicts the inherent impact of scatter on visual clarity. Additionally, shorter exposure times are often needed under optimal conditions to reduce motion blur but are irrelevant in the context of scatter's disruptive effects.