Computer-aided detection is increasingly being used in screening and diagnostic mammography

October 04, 2010

The use of computer-aided detection (CAD) is increasing, in both screening and diagnostic mammography, according to a study in the October issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology (www.jacr.org). CAD software systems highlight and alert the radiologist of abnormal areas of density, mass or calcification on a digitized mammographic image (of the breast) that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Screening mammography is an X-ray exam of the breast that is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms. Diagnostic mammography is an X-ray exam of the breast that is performed in order to evaluate a breast complaint of abnormality detected by physical exam or routine screening mammography.

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, reviewed codes for screening and diagnostic mammography (both screen-film and digital) as well as codes for screening and diagnostic CAD from the Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files for 2004 - 2008.

In 2004, a total of 5,728,419 screening mammograms were performed, and CAD was used in 2,257,434 (39 percent) of them. In 2008, a total of 5,827,326 screening mammograms were performed, and CAD was used in 4,305,595 (74 percent) of them. In 2004, a total of 1,835,700 diagnostic mammograms were performed, and CAD was used in 360,483 (20 percent) of them. In 2008, a total of 1,682,026 diagnostic mammograms were performed, and CAD was used in 845,461 (50 percent) of them. "By 2008, CAD was used in about three quarters of all screening exams and half of all diagnostic exams," said Vijay M. Rao, MD, lead author of the study.

"The use of CAD is controversial, while some support it and others are critical of it. Nonetheless, while there remains debate over the efficacy of CAD, it is apparent that radiologists are increasingly utilizing this technology and that it is becoming standard practice in breast diagnosis," said Rao.

American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society

---

---

	Digital Mammography (Medical Radiology / Diagnostic Imaging) by Ulrich Bick (Editor), Felix Diekmann (Editor) This state-of-the-art reference book provides in-depth coverage of all aspects of digital mammography, including detector technology, image processing, computer-aided diagnosis, soft-copy reading, digital workflow, and PACS. Specific advantages and disadvantages of digital mammography in comparison to screen-film mammography are thoroughly discussed. By including authors from both North America and Europe, the book is able to outline variations in the use, acceptance, and quality assurance of digital mammography between the different countries and screening programs. Advanced imaging techniques and future developments such as contrast mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis are also covered in detail. All of the chapters are written by internationally recognized experts and contain...
	Diagnostic Imaging: Breast, 1e by Wendie A. Berg (Author), Robyn L. Birdwell (Author), Eva Gombos (Author), Shih-Chang Wang (Author), Brett Parkinson (Author), Sughra Raza (Author), Gretchen Green (Author), Anne Kennedy (Author), Mark D. Kettler (Author) Authored by some of the world's preeminent authorities in its field, this new book represents today's best single source of guidance on breast imaging! It presents more details for each diagnosis · more representative images · more case data · and more current references than any other reference tool. At the same time, its user-friendly format lets readers access all of this information remarkably quickly!Covers the top imaging diagnoses in breast, including both common and uncommon entities. Provides exquisitely reproduced imaging examples for every diagnosis-plus concise, bulleted summaries of terminology · imaging findings · key facts · differential diagnosis · pathology · clinical issues · a diagnostic checklist · and selected references. Includes an extensive image...
	DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, Ninth Edition by Richard LeBlond (Author), Donald Brown (Author), Richard DeGowin (Author) The classic point-of-care guide to the undifferentiated patient -- completely revised and easier to navigate than ever! A Doody's Core Title for 2011! 5 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW! "DeGowin's is considered one of the first books on diagnosis, and the one most physicians trained in the last 40 years grew up with. With this edition, the authors continue the unparalleled tradition of providing a comprehensive, understandable way to approach a patient....DeGowin's is considered one of the first books on diagnosis, and the one most physicians trained in the last 40 years grew up with. With this edition, the authors continue the unparalleled tradition of providing a comprehensive, understandable way to approach a patient."--Doody's Review Service Part physical examination primer, part...
	Ultrasound Mammography: Methods, Results, Diagnostic Strategies by Bernd-Joachim Hackelöer (Author), Volker Duda (Author), Günther Lauth (Author), Terry C. Telger (Translator), Barbara Kelly-Fry (Translator), Jack Jellins (Translator) Ultrasound Mammography: Methods, Results, Diagnostic Strategies provides a practical and well-illustrated model for optimizing the detection and diagnosis of breast disease. This volume examines the basic technical and methodologic aspects of breast sonography with emphasis on its applications to differential diagnosis of benign disorders, malignant diseases, and metastases. Ultrasound Mammography explores the complementary role of blood-flow assessment to ultrasonic imaging, the relation of breast ultrasound to other diagnostic modalities, and the effect of iatrogenic sequelae on breast sonograms. Practical concerns - instrumentation quality, safety, and cost - as well as training prerequisites are addressed.
	Delmar's Mammography Exam Review by Jennifer R. Wagner (Author), Erica Koch Wight (Author) The complete review solution for registered radiologic technologists seeking advanced certification in mammography, Mammography Exam Review provides comprehensive practice questions written in the style of the ARRT examination. It is the only review product available with additional computerized practice opportunities to help you gain experience taking the exam in an electronic format. Chapters are designed to correlate to the American Registry of Radiologist Technologists' newest content specifications. Coverage of breast anatomy, physiology, pathology, interventional procedures, mammographic techniques, and image evaluation will enhance the reader's understanding of this specialized skill.
	Recent Advances in Breast Imaging, Mammography, and Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Breast Cancer (SPIE Press Monograph Vol. PM155) by Jasjit S. Suri (Author), Jasjit S. Suri (Editor), Rangaraj M. Rangayyan (Editor) Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women worldwide; approximately 10% of women are confronted with breast cancer in their lives. Breast cancer can be most efficiently treated if detected at an early stage. This book focuses primarily on the application of computer vision for early lesion identification in mammograms and breast-imaging volumes through computer-aided diagnostics (CAD). Color illustrations are included in the text, and an accompanying CD-ROM contains other full-color images. The book is divided into four parts. In Part I, the anatomic, histopathologic, and mammographic views of the breast are examined, and the physics for different breast-imaging modalities are presented. Part II presents techniques for lesion and mass detection, and computer-aided...
	Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4e by Kathleen Deska Pagana PhD RN (Author), Timothy J. Pagana MD FACS (Author) Widely used in both academic and clinical settings, this comprehensive resource provides clear, concise coverage of more than 700 of the most commonly performed diagnostic and laboratory tests - including 30 new to this edition. Chapters are organized by test type and begin with a list of the tests covered, followed by a test type overview with specimen collection techniques. Tests are presented in a consistent format with normal findings, indications, test explanation, procedure and patient care, and test results and clinical significance, as well as any applicable contraindications, potential complications, interfering factors, and related tests. A full-color design and 127 photographs and illustrations depict procedures, equipment, techniques, and key concepts. Provides comprehensive...
	Mammography Casebook by Uwe Fischer (Author) Mammography Casebook presents 100 complex breast imaging cases in a question and answer format, ideal for self-testing and review. Each case is presented in a concise way, with two pages devoted to review of the patient's imaging studies and the following two pages to analysis and categorization of findings. The clinician will benefit from thorough review of the relevant standard views as well as from discussion of the usefulness of techniques, such as spot compression and coned views. The author classifies image findings using BI-RADS criteria and provides differential diagnoses and commentary on eventual histological results that will help the radiologist manage all clinical situations. Additional image sequences illuminate concepts in advanced procedures, such as MR-guided core biopsy...
	McGraw-Hill Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests by Denise D. Wilson (Author) Critical testing information and key clinical protocols in the palm of your hand McGraw-Hill's Manual of Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests focuses specifically on what you need to know to understand the test, educate the patient, and provide safe, effective care before, during, and after the test. In addition, this easy-to-use clinical companion is the only text to actively incorporate evidence-based practice features throughout, both in test monographs and appendices-a major advantage that enhances your ability to apply the book's content to your daily practice. Features: A cohesive 5-part organization covering the full range of laboratory tests, diagnostic tests, laboratory/diagnostic assessments of body function, education, and screening Time-saving...
	Radiation Exposure and Image Quality in X-Ray Diagnostic Radiology: Physical Principles and Clinical Applications by Horst Aichinger (Author), Joachim Dierker (Author), Sigrid Joite-Barfuß (Author), Manfred Säbel (Author) This completely updated second edition of Radiation Exposure and Image Quality in X-ray Diagnostic Radiology provides the reader with detailed guidance on the optimization of radiological imaging. The basic physical principles of diagnostic radiology are first presented in detail, and their application to clinical problems is then carefully explored. The final section is a supplement containing tables of data and graphical depictions of X-ray spectra, interaction coefficients, characteristics of X-ray beams, and other aspects relevant to patient dose calculations. In addition, a complementary CD-ROM contains a user-friendly Excel file database covering these aspects that can be used in the reader’s own programs. This book will be an invaluable aid to medical physicists when performing...