Evaluation of computer-aided detection of lesions in mammograms obtained with a digital phase-contrast mammography system

A computer-aided detection (CAD) system was evaluated for its ability to detect microcalcifications and masses on images obtained with a digital phase-contrast mammography (PCM) system, a system characterised by the sharp images provided by phase contrast and by the high resolution of 25-μm-pixel mammograms. Fifty abnormal and 50 normal mammograms were collected from about 3,500 mammograms and printed on film for reading on a light box. Seven qualified radiologists participated in an observer study based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The average of the areas under ROC curve (AUC) values for the ROC analysis with and without CAD were 0.927 and 0.897 respectively ( P = 0.015). The AUC values improved from 0.840 to 0.888 for microcalcifications ( P = 0.034) and from 0.947 to 0.962 for masses ( P = 0.025) respectively. The application of CAD to the PCM system is a promising approach for the detection of breast cancer in its early stages.