Automated recognition of microcalcification clusters in mammograms

Isaac N. Bankman, William A. Christens-Barry, Dong W. Kim, Irving N. Weinberg, Olga B. Gatewood, William R. Brody

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The widespread and increasing use of mammographic screening for early breast cancer detection is placing a significant strain on clinical radiologists. Large numbers of radiographic films have to be visually interpreted in fine detail to determine the subtle hallmarks of cancer that may be present. We developed an algorithm for detecting microcalcification clusters, the most common and useful signs of early, potentially curable breast cancer. We describe this algorithm, which utilizes contour map representations of digitized mammographic films, and discuss its benefits in overcoming difficulties often encountered in algorithmic approaches to radiographic image processing. We present experimental analyses of mammographic films employing this contour-based algorithm and discuss practical issues relevant to its use in an automated film interpretation instrument.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)731-738
Number of pages8
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1905
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 29 1993
EventBiomedical Image Processing and Biomedical Visualization 1993 - San Jose, United States
Duration: Jan 31 1993Feb 5 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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