AUTOMATED DETECTION OF MASSES IN MAMMOGRAMS

Breast cancer continues to be a significant public health problem in the world. Early detection is the key for improving breast cancer prognosis. Mammography has been one of the most reliable methods for early detection of breast carcinomas. However, the estimated sensitivity of radiologists in breast cancer screening is only about 75%, and the performance would be improved if they were prompted with the possible locations of abnormalities. Breast cancer Computer Aid Diagnosis (CAD) systems can provide such help and they are important and necessary for breast cancer control. Microcalcifications and masses are the two most important indicators of malignancy, and their automated detection is very valuable for early breast cancer diagnosis. Automated detection and classification of masses is even more challenging than of microcalcification. This chapter discusses the methods for mass detection and classification, and microcalcification detection and compares their advantages and drawbacks.