Abstract
It has been reported that diagnostic computer systems can interpret the microcalcifications seen on mammograms with high sensitivity. We examined 441 women for breast cancer by mammography (medio-lateral-oblique and cranio-caudal images) and by whole-breast ultrasonography. The mammograms were then analyzed using a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system (ImageChecker M 1000 system ; R 2 Technology, Los Altos, CA, USA). After performing the CAD analysis we used the mammography findings mainly in the evaluation of microcalcifications and the ultrasound findings were used mainly in the assessment of any mass observed in the breasts.
The CAD system interpreted the microcalcifications with total accuracy. We diagnosed two patients with breast cancer, and cancer with microcalcifications was correctly identified by the CAD system. When CAD improves and the false-positive rate decreases this system will help the mammogram reader to assess many screening films. Therefore, this technology will reduce the cost of breast cancer screening.
