Showing papers on "Digital mammography published in 2010"

Digital breast tomosynthesis versus digital mammography: a clinical performance study

Abstract: To compare the clinical performance of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with that of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in a diagnostic population. The study enrolled 200 consenting women who had at least one breast lesion discovered by mammography and/or ultrasound classified as doubtful or suspicious or probably malignant. They underwent tomosynthesis in one view [mediolateral oblique (MLO)] of both breasts at a dose comparable to that of standard screen-film mammography in two views [craniocaudal (CC) and MLO]. Images were rated by six breast radiologists using the BIRADS score. Ratings were compared with the truth established according to the standard of care and a multiple-reader multiple-case (MRMC) receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Clinical performance of DBT compared with that of FFDM was evaluated in terms of the difference between areas under ROC curves (AUCs) for BIRADS scores. Overall clinical performance with DBT and FFDM for malignant versus all other cases was not significantly different (AUCs 0.851 vs 0.836, p = 0.645). The lower limit of the 95% CI or the difference between DBT and FFDM AUCs was −4.9%. Clinical performance of tomosynthesis in one view at the same total dose as standard screen-film mammography is not inferior to digital mammography in two views.

Comparison of Acquisition Parameters and Breast Dose in Digital Mammography and Screen-Film Mammography in the American College of Radiology Imaging Network Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to compare the technical performance of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and screen-film mammography.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The American College of Radiology Imaging Network Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial enrolled 49,528 women to compare FFDM and screen-film mammography for screening. For quality assurance purposes, technical parameters including breast compression force, compressed breast thickness, mean glandular dose, and the number of additional views needed for complete breast coverage were recorded and analyzed for both FFDM and screen-film mammography on approximately 10% of study subjects at each site.RESULTS. Technical data were compiled on 5,102 study subjects at 33 sites. Clean data were obtained for 4,366 (88%) of those cases. Mean compression force was 10.7 dN for screen-film mammography and 10.1 dN for FFDM (5.5% difference, p < 0.001). Mean compressed breast thickness was 5.3 cm for screen-film mammography and 5.4 cm for FFDM (1.7% ...

The positive predictive value of BI-RADS microcalcification descriptors and final assessment categories.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to retrospectively assess the likelihood of malignancy of microcalcifications according to the BI-RADS descriptors in a digital mammography environment.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 146 women with calcifications who underwent imaging-guided biopsy between April 2005 and July 2006. Digital mammograms procured before biopsy were analyzed independently by two breast imaging subspecialists blinded to biopsy results. Lesions described discordantly were settled by consensus. One of the radiologists provided a BI-RADS final assessment score.RESULTS. The overall positive predictive value of biopsies was 28.8%. The individual morphologic descriptors predicted the risk of malignancy as follows: fine linear/branching, 16 (70%) of 23 cases; fine pleomorphic, 14 (28%) of 50 cases; coarse heterogeneous, two (20%) of 10 cases; amorphous, 10 (20%) of 51 cases; and typically benign, zero (0%) of 12 cases. Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact testing showed statistical significa...

Breast tomosynthesis: Accuracy of tumor measurement compared with digital mammography and ultrasonography.

Abstract: Background: Mammographic tumor size measurement can be difficult because breast structures are superimposed onto a two-dimensional (2D) plane, potentially obscuring the tumor outline. Breast tomosynthesis (BT) is a 3D X-ray imaging technique in which low-dose images are acquired over a limited angular range at a total dose comparable to digital mammography (DM). These low-dose images are used to mathematically reconstruct a 3D image volume of the breast, thus reducing the problem of superimposed tissue.Purpose: To investigate whether breast cancer size can be more accurately assessed with breast tomosynthesis than with digital mammography and ultrasonography (US), by reducing the disturbance effect of the projected anatomy.Material and Methods: A prototype BT system was used. The main inclusion criterion for BT examination was subtle but suspicious findings of breast cancer on 2D mammography. Sixty-two women with 73 breast cancers were included. BT, DM, and US sizes were measured independently by experien...

Digital breast tomosynthesis in the diagnostic environment: A subjective side-by-side review.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to subjectively compare additional mammographic views to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in the characterizing of known masses, architectural distortions, or asymmetries.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Four experienced radiologists serially reviewed the imaging studies of 25 women with known masses, including full-field digital mammography (FFDM), additional views, and DBT. After review of the examinations, radiologists rated their relative preference in terms of classifying the finding in question when aided by the additional views versus aided by DBT, their combined diagnostic BI-RADS rating of the finding when both examinations were available, and whether or not they felt comfortable eliminating ultrasound in the specific cases being evaluated as a result of the DBT.RESULTS. FFDM and DBT (combined) were perceived to be better for diagnosis in 50% (50/100) of the ratings (25 cases × four readers = 100 ratings) compared with FFDM and additional diagnostic views. Over all...

Automated breast profile segmentation for ROI detection using digital mammograms

Abstract: Mammography is currently the most effective imaging modality used by radiologists for the screening of breast cancer Finding an accurate, robust and efficient breast profile segmentation technique still remains a challenging problem in digital mammography Extraction of the breast profile region and the pectoral muscle is an essential pre-processing step in the process of computer-aided detection Primarily it allows the search for abnormalities to be limited to the region of the breast tissue without undue influence from the background of the mammogram The presence of pectoral muscle in mammograms biases detection procedures, which recommends removing the pectoral muscle during mammogram pre-processing In this paper we explore an automated technique for mammogram segmentation The proposed algorithm uses morphological preprocessing and seeded region growing (SRG) algorithm in order to: (1) remove digitization noises, (2) suppress radiopaque artifacts, (3) separate background region from the breast profile region, and (4) remove the pectoral muscle, for accentuating the breast profile region To demonstrate the capability of our proposed approach, digital mammograms from two separate sources are tested using Ground Truth (GT) images for evaluation of performance characteristics Experimental results obtained indicate that the breast regions extracted accurately correspond to the respective GT images

Classification of benign and malignant patterns in digital mammograms for the diagnosis of breast cancer

Abstract: The classification of benign and malignant patterns in digital mammograms is one of most important and significant processes during the diagnosis of breast cancer as it helps detecting the disease at its early stage which saves many lives. Breast abnormalities are often embedded in and camouflaged by various breast tissue structures. It is a very challenging and difficult task for radiologists to correctly classify suspicious areas (benign and malignant patterns) in digital mammograms. In the early stage, the visual clues are subtle and varied in appearance, making diagnosis difficult; challenging even for specialists. Therefore, an intelligent classifier is required which can help radiologists in classifying suspicious areas and diagnosing breast cancer. This paper investigates a novel soft clustered based direct learning classifier which creates soft clusters within a class and learns using direct calculation of weights. The feature space for suspicious areas in digital mammograms from same class patterns can have multiple clusters and the proposed classifier uses this fact and introduces a novel idea to create soft clusters for each available class and applies them to form sub-classes within benign and malignant classes. A novel learning process based on direct learning is introduced. The experiments using the proposed classifier have been conducted on a benchmark database. The results have been analysed using ANOVA test which showed that the results are statistically significant.

Dosimetric characterization of a dedicated breast computed tomography clinical prototype

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the glandular dose magnitudes and characteristics resulting from image acquisition using a dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT) clinical prototype imaging system. Methods: The x-ray spectrum and output characteristics of a BCT clinical prototype (Koning Corporation, West Henrietta, NY) were determined using empirical measurements, breast phantoms, and an established spectrum model. The geometry of the BCT system was replicated in a Monte Carlo-based computer simulation using the GEANT4 toolkit and was validated by comparing the simulated results for exposure distribution in a standard 16 cm CT head phantom with those empirically determined using a 10 cm CT pencil ionization chamber and dosimeter. The computer simulation was further validated by replicating the results of a previous BCT dosimetry study. Upon validation, the computer simulation was modified to include breasts of varying sizes and homogeneous compositions spanning those encountered clinically, and the normalized mean glandular dose resulting from BCT was determined. Using the system's measured exposure output determined automatically for breasts of different size and density, the mean glandular dose for these breasts was computed and compared to the glandular dose resulting from mammography. Finally, additional Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study how the glandular dose values vary withinmore » the breast tissue during acquisition with both this BCT prototype and a typical craniocaudal (CC) mammographic acquisition. Results: This BCT prototype uses an x-ray spectrum with a first half-value layer of 1.39 mm Al and a mean x-ray energy of 30.3 keV. The normalized mean glandular dose for breasts of varying size and composition during BCT acquisition with this system ranges from 0.278 to 0.582 mGy/mGy air kerma with the reference air kerma measured in air at the center of rotation. Using the measured exposure outputs for the tube currents automatically selected by the system for the breasts of different sizes and densities, the mean glandular dose for a BCT acquisition with this prototype system varies from 5.6 to 17.5 mGy, with the value for a breast of mean size and composition being 17.06 mGy. The glandular dose throughout the breast tissue of this mean breast varies by up to {+-}50% of the mean value. During a typical CC view mammographic acquisition of an equivalent mean breast, which typically results in a mean glandular dose of 2.0-2.5 mGy, the glandular dose throughout the breast tissue varies from {approx}15% to {approx}400% of the mean value. Conclusions: Acquisition of a BCT image with the automated tube output settings for a mean breast with the Koning Corp. clinical prototype results in mean glandular dose values approximately equivalent to three to five two-view mammographic examinations for a similar breast. For all breast sizes and compositions studied, this glandular dose ratio between acquisition with this BCT prototype and two-view mammography ranges from 1.4 to 7.2. In mammography, portions of the mean-sized breast receive a considerably higher dose than the mean value for the whole breast. However, only a small portion of a breast undergoing mammography would receive a glandular dose similar to that from BCT.« less

The diagnostic accuracy of dual-view digital mammography, single-view breast tomosynthesis and a dual-view combination of breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography in a free-response observer performance study.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of dual-view digital mammography (DM), single-view breast tomosynthesis (BT) and BT combined with the opposite DM view. Patients with subtle lesions were selected to undergo BT examinations. Two radiologists who are non-participants in the study and have experience in using DM and BT determined the locations and extents of lesions in the images. Five expert mammographers interpreted the cases using the free-response paradigm. The task was to mark and rate clinically reportable findings suspicious for malignancy and clinically relevant benign findings. The marks were scored with reference to the outlined regions into lesion localization or non-lesion localization, and analysed by the jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic method. The analysis yielded statistically significant differences between the combined modality and dual-view DM (p < 0.05). No differences were found between single-view BT and dual-view DM or between single-view BT and the combined modality.

Mammographic Breast Density: Effect on Imaging and Breast Cancer Risk

Abstract: Mammographic breast density has been studied for more than 30 years. Greater breast density not only is related to decreased sensitivity of mammograms because of a masking effect but also is a major independent risk factor for breast cancer. This article defines breast density and reviews literature on quantification of mammographic density that is key to future clinical and research protocols. Important influences on breast density are addressed, including age, menopausal status, exogenous hormones, and genetics of density. Young women with dense breasts benefit from digital mammographic technique. The potential use of supplemental MRI and ultrasound screening techniques in high-risk women and women with dense breasts is explored, as are potential risk reduction strategies.

Calcifications in Digital Mammographic Screening: Improvement of Early Detection of Invasive Breast Cancers?

Abstract: Overall, for population-based mammographic screening, our results suggest that in comparison to screen-film mammography, digital mammography has the potential to increase the rate of invasive cancers detected on the basis of isolated calcifications---cancers that tend to be smaller than those discovered because of other radiologic features.

Volumetric breast density from full-field digital mammograms and its association with breast cancer risk factors: a comparison with a threshold method.

Abstract: Introduction: Breast density, a strong breast cancer risk factor, is usually measured on the projected breast area from film screen mammograms. This is far from ideal, as breast thickness and technical characteristics are not taken into account. We investigated whether volumetric density measurements on full-field digital mammography (FFDM) are more strongly related to breast cancer risk factors than measurements with a computer-assisted threshold method. Methods: Breast density was measured on FFDMs from 370 breast cancer screening participants, using a computer-assisted threshold method and a volumetric method. The distribution of breast cancer risk factors among quintiles of density was compared between both methods. We adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI) with linear regression analysis. Results: High percent density was strongly related to younger age, lower BMI, nulliparity, late age at first delivery and pre/perimenopausal status, to the same extent with both methods (all P < 0.05). Similarly strong relationships were seen for the absolute dense area but to a lesser extent for absolute dense volume. A larger dense volume was only significantly associated with late age at menopause, use of menopausal hormone therapy, and, in contrast to the other methods, high BMI. Conclusion: Both methods related equally well to known breast cancer risk factors. Impact: Despite its alleged higher precision, the volumetric method was not more strongly related to breast cancer risk factors. This is in agreement with other studies. The definitive relationship with breast cancer risk still needs to be investigated. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(12); 3096–105. ©2010 AACR .

Consequences of digital mammography in population-based breast cancer screening: initial changes and long-term impact on referral rates

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the referral pattern after the transition to full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in a population-based breast cancer screening programme.

Evaluation of an improved algorithm for producing realistic 3D breast software phantoms: Application for mammography

Abstract: Purpose: This work presents an improved algorithm for the generation of 3D breast software phantoms and its evaluation for mammography Methods: The improved methodology has evolved from a previously presented 3D noncompressed breast modeling method used for the creation of breast models of different size, shape, and composition The breast phantom is composed of breast surface, duct system and terminal ductal lobular units, Cooper's ligaments, lymphatic and blood vessel systems, pectoral muscle, skin, 3D mammographic background texture, and breast abnormalities The key improvement is the development of a new algorithm for 3D mammographic texture generation Simulated images of the enhanced 3D breast model without lesions were produced by simulating mammographic image acquisition and were evaluated subjectively and quantitatively For evaluation purposes, a database with regions of interest taken from simulated and real mammograms was created Four experienced radiologists participated in a visual subjective evaluation trial, as they judged the quality of the simulated mammograms, using the new algorithm compared to mammograms, obtained with the old modeling approach In addition, extensive quantitative evaluation included power spectral analysis and calculation of fractal dimension, skewness, and kurtosis of simulated and real mammograms from the database Results: The results from the subjective evaluation stronglymore » suggest that the new methodology for mammographic breast texture creates improved breast models compared to the old approach Calculated parameters on simulated images such as {beta} exponent deducted from the power law spectral analysis and fractal dimension are similar to those calculated on real mammograms The results for the kurtosis and skewness are also in good coincidence with those calculated from clinical images Comparison with similar calculations published in the literature showed good agreement in the majority of cases Conclusions: The improved methodology generated breast models with increased realism compared to the older model as shown in evaluations of simulated images by experienced radiologists It is anticipated that the realism will be further improved using an advanced image simulator so that simulated images may be used in feasibility studies in mammography« less

Comparison of radiation exposure and associated radiation-induced cancer risks from mammography and molecular imaging of the breast

Abstract: Purpose: Recent studies have raised concerns about exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation from medical imaging procedures. Little has been published regarding the relative exposure and risks associated with breast imaging techniques such as breast specific gamma imaging (BSGI), molecular breast imaging (MBI), or positron emission mammography (PEM). The purpose of this article was to estimate and compare the risks of radiation-induced cancer from mammography and techniques such as PEM, BSGI, and MBI in a screening environment. Methods: The authors used a common scheme for all estimates of cancer incidence and mortality based on the excess absolute risk model from the BEIR VII report. The lifetime attributable risk model was used to estimate the lifetime risk of radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality. All estimates of cancer incidence and mortality were based on a population of 100 000 females followed from birth to age 80 and adjusted for the fraction that survives to various ages between 0 and 80. Assuming annual screening from ages 40 to 80 and from ages 50 to 80, the cumulative cancer incidence and mortality attributed to digital mammography, screen-film mammography, MBI, BSGI, and PEM was calculated. The corresponding cancer incidence and mortality from natural background radiationmore » was calculated as a useful reference. Assuming a 15%-32% reduction in mortality from screening, the benefit/risk ratio for the different imaging modalities was evaluated. Results: Using conventional doses of 925 MBq Tc-99m sestamibi for MBI and BSGI and 370 MBq F-18 FDG for PEM, the cumulative cancer incidence and mortality were found to be 15-30 times higher than digital mammography. The benefit/risk ratio for annual digital mammography was >50:1 for both the 40-80 and 50-80 screening groups, but dropped to 3:1 for the 40-49 age group. If the primary use of MBI, BSGI, and PEM is in women with dense breast tissue, then the administered doses need to be in the range 75-150 MBq for Tc-99m sestamibi and 35 MBq-70 MBq for F-18 FDG in order to obtain benefit/risk ratios comparable to those of mammography in these age groups. These dose ranges should be achievable with enhancements to current technology while maintaining a reasonable examination time. Conclusions: The results of the dose estimates in this study clearly indicate that if molecular imaging techniques are to be of value in screening for breast cancer, then the administered doses need to be substantially reduced to better match the effective doses of mammography.« less

A statistical, task-based evaluation method for three-dimensional x-ray breast imaging systems using variable-background phantoms.

Abstract: Purpose: For the last few years, development and optimization of three-dimensional (3D) x-ray breast imaging systems, such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and computed tomography, have drawn much attention from the medical imaging community, either academia or industry. However, there is still much room for understanding how to best optimize and evaluate the devices over a large space of many different system parameters and geometries. Current evaluation methods, which work well for 2D systems, do not incorporate the depth information from the 3D imaging systems. Therefore, it is critical to develop a statistically sound evaluation method to investigate the usefulness of inclusion of depth and background-variability information into the assessment and optimization of the 3D systems. Methods: In this paper, we present a mathematical framework for a statistical assessment of planar and 3D x-ray breast imaging systems. Our method is based on statistical decision theory, in particular, making use of the ideal linear observer called the Hotelling observer. We also present a physical phantom that consists of spheres of different sizes and materials for producing an ensemble of randomly varying backgrounds to be imaged for a given patient class. Lastly, we demonstrate our evaluation method in comparing laboratory mammography and three-angle DBT systems for signal detection tasks using the phantom’s projection data. We compare the variable phantom case to that of a phantom of the same dimensions filled with water, which we call the uniform phantom, based on the performance of the Hotelling observer as a function of signal size and intensity. Results: Detectability trends calculated using the variable and uniform phantom methods are different from each other for both mammography and DBT systems. Conclusions: Our results indicate that measuring the system’s detection performance with consideration of background variability may lead to differences in system performance estimates and comparisons. For the assessment of 3D systems, to accurately determine trade offs between image quality and radiation dose, it is critical to incorporate randomness arising from the imaging chain including background variability into system performance calculations.

Scatter correction in digital mammography based on image deconvolution.

Abstract: X-ray scatter is a major cause of nonlinearity in densitometry measurements using digital mammography. Previous scatter correction techniques have primarily used a single scatter point spread function to estimate x-ray scatter. In this study, a new algorithm to correct x-ray scatter based on image convolution was implemented using a spatially variant scatter point spread function which is energy and thickness dependent. The scatter kernel was characterized in terms of its scattering fraction (SF) and scatter radial extent (k) on uniform Lucite phantoms with thickness of 0.8–8.0 cm. The algorithm operates on a pixel-by-pixel basis by grouping pixels of similar thicknesses into a series of mask images that are individually deconvolved using Fourier image analysis with a distinct kernel for each image. The algorithm was evaluated with three Lucite step phantoms and one anthropomorphic breast phantom using a full-field digital mammography system at energies of 24, 28, 31 and 49 kVp. The true primary signal was measured with a multi-hole collimator. The effect on image quality was also evaluated. For all 16 studies, the average mean percentage error in estimating the true primary signal was found to be −2.13% and the average rms percentage error was 2.60%. The image quality was seen to improve at every energy up to 25% at 49 kVp. The results indicate that a technique based on a spatially variant scatter point spread function can accurately estimate x-ray scatter.

Quantification of breast density with dual energy mammography: An experimental feasibility study

Abstract: Purpose: Breast density, the percentage of glandular breast tissue, has been shown to be a strong indicator of breast cancer risk. A quantitative method to measure breast density with dual energy mammography was investigated using physical phantoms. Methods: The dual energy mammography system used a tungsten anode x-ray tube with a 50 {mu}m rhodium beam filter for low energy images and a 300 {mu}m copper beam filter for high energy images. Glandular and adipose equivalent phantoms of uniform thickness were used to calibrate a dual energy basis decomposition algorithm. Four different phantom studies were used to evaluate the technique. The first study consisted of phantoms with thicknesses of 2.5-8.5 cm in 0.5 cm steps with variable densities centered at a mean of 28%. The second study consisted of phantoms at a fixed thickness of 4.0 cm, which ranged in densities from 0% to 100% in increments of 12.5%. The third study consisted of 4.0 cm thick phantoms at densities of 25%, 50% and 75% each imaged at three areal sizes, approximately 62.5, 125, and 250 cm{sup 2}, in order to assess the effect of breast size on density measurement. The fourth study consisted of step phantoms designed to more closelymore » mimic the shape of a female breast with maximal thicknesses from 3.0 to 7.0 cm at a fixed density of 50%. All images were corrected for x-ray scatter. Results: The RMS errors in breast density measurements were 0.44% for the variable thickness phantoms, 0.64% for the variable density phantoms, 2.87% for the phantoms of different areal sizes, and 4.63% for step phantoms designed to closely resemble the shape of a breast. Conclusions: The results of the phantom studies indicate that dual energy mammography can be used to measure breast density with an RMS error of approximately 5%.« less

Investigation of the effect of anode/filter materials on the dose and image quality of a digital mammography system based on an amorphous selenium flat panel detector

Abstract: A comparison, in terms of image quality and glandular breast dose, was carried out between two similar digital mammography systems using amorphous selenium flat panel detectors. The two digital mammography systems currently available from Lorad-Hologic were compared. The original system utilises Mo/Mo and Mo/Rh as target/filter combinations, while the new system uses W/Rh and W/Ag. Images of multiple mammography phantoms with simulated compressed breast thicknesses of 4 cm, 5 cm and 6 cm and various glandular tissue equivalency were acquired under different spectral conditions. The contrast of five details, corresponding to five glandular compositions, was calculated and the ratio of the square of the contrast-to-noise ratio to the average glandular dose was used as a figure-of-merit (FOM) to compare results. For each phantom thickness and target/filter combination, there is an optimum voltage that maximises the FOM. Results show that the W/Rh combination is the best choice for all the detection tasks studied, but for thicknesses greater than 6 cm the W/Ag combination would probably be the best choice. In addition, the new system with W filter presents a better optimisation of the automatic exposure control in comparison with the original system with Mo filter.

A technique optimization protocol and the potential for dose reduction in digital mammography.

Abstract: Digital mammography requires revisiting techniques that have been optimized for prior screen/film mammography systems. The objective of the study was to determine optimized radiographic technique for a digital mammography system and demonstrate the potential for dose reduction in comparison to the clinically established techniques based on screen- film. An objective figure of merit (FOM) was employed to evaluate a direct-conversion amorphous selenium (a-Se) FFDM system (Siemens Mammomat Novation(DR), Siemens AG Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) and was derived from the quotient of the squared signal-difference-to-noise ratio to mean glandular dose, for various combinations of technique factors and breast phantom configurations including kilovoltage settings (23-35 kVp), target/filter combinations (Mo-Mo and W-Rh), breast-equivalent plastic in various thicknesses (2-8 cm) and densities (100% adipose, 50% adipose/50% glandular, and 100% glandular), and simulated mass and calcification lesions. When using a W-Rh spectrum, the optimized FOM results for the simulated mass and calcification lesions showed highly consistent trends with kVp for each combination of breast density and thickness. The optimized kVp ranged from 26 kVp for 2 cm 100% adipose breasts to 30 kVp for 8 cm 100% glandular breasts. The use of the optimized W-Rh technique compared to standard Mo-Mo techniques provided dose savings ranging from 9% for 2 cm thick, 100% adipose breasts, to 63% for 6 cm thick, 100% glandular breasts, and for breasts with a 50% adipose/50% glandular composition, from 12% for 2 cm thick breasts up to 57% for 8 cm thick breasts.

Comparison of standard mammography with digital mammography and digital infrared thermal imaging for breast cancer screening.

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Screen-film mammography (SFM) has been considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening and detection. Despite its recognized value in detecting and characterizing breast disease, mammography has important limitations and its false-negative rate ranges from 4% to 34%. Given these limitations, development of imaging modalities that would enhance, complement, or replace mammography has been a priority. Digital mammography (FFDM) and digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) are some of these alternative modalities.

Interpretation time of computer-aided detection at screening mammography.

Abstract: The time added to radiologists’ interpretations of screening mammograms by the use of computer-aided detection is an important consideration in the assessment of the efficiency of digital mammography interpretation.

Comparison of standard mammography with digital mammography and digital infrared thermal imaging for breast cancer screening Meme kanseri taramas◊ nda standart mamografi ile dijital mamografi ve dijital infrared termal görüntülemenin kar¸◊ lat◊ r◊ lmas◊

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Screenfilm mammography (SFM) has been considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening and detection. Despite its recognized value in detecting and characterizing breast disease, mammography has important limitations and its false-negative rate ranges from 4% to 34%. Given these limitations, development of imaging modalities that would enhance, complement, or replace mammography has been a priority. Digital mammography (FFDM) and digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) are some of these alternative modalities. (J Turkish-German Gynecol Assoc 2010; 11: 152-7)

Digital mammography image enhancement using improved unsharp masking approach

Abstract: Characteristics of the lesions in digital mammography images will be more clear after image enhancement, which can increase the detection rate of early breast cancer. This paper proposes a modified unsharp masking approach based on an improved high-pass filter. Experimental result of digital mammography image enhancement proves that the proposed method can effectively extrude the edges of lesions and at the same time can suppress the noises in uniform background areas.