Method and apparatus for automated detection of masses in digital images

The subject matter of this application is related to the subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/676,660, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Fast Detection of Spiculated Lesions in Digital Mammograms," filed on Jul. 10, 1996 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The above application is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. A method and apparatus for the automated detection of masses in a digital mammogram, the method for use in a computer aided diagnosis system for assisting a radiologist in identifying and recognizing suspicious portions of the digital mammogram. A gradient image is created from the digital mammogram, and information in the gradient image is processed for identifying masses. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of a spiculation detection algorithm is applied to the gradient image for identifying masses. The spiculation detection algorithm comprises a line detection portion and a post-line detection portion, and it is the post-line detection portion which is applied to the gradient image for identifying masses. Advantageously, computer programs which have already been written for spiculation detection may, with minor modifications, be ported into mass detection programs.