Automated Detection Method for Nipple Region on Digital Mammograms

Abstract

An automatic detection scheme for the nipple region on digital mammograms was developed. An automatic curve analysis based on angle estimation between two vectors was mainly employed. After breast border following, the curve degree at every pixel along the breast border was compared. Finally a skin line segment in the interest regions was determined as the nipple outline. A total of 215 digital mammograms, including left and right breasts, were processed using this method. The results showed that the nipples were correctly detected in 95% of all cases.