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Computer-based Model helps Radiologists
diagnose Breast Cancer
Newswise — Radiologists have developed a
computer based model that aids them in
discriminating between benign and malignant
breast lesions, according to a study
performed at the University Of Wisconsin
School of Medicine, Madison, WI.
The model was developed by a
multidisciplinary group, including
radiologists and industrial engineers, led
by Elizabeth S. Burnside, MD, Oguzhan Alagoz,
PhD, and Jagpreet Chhatwal, PhD.
"The computer based model was created based
upon findings of 48,744 mammograms in a
breast imaging report database to help the
radiologist calculate breast cancer risk
based on abnormality descriptors like mass
shape; mass margins; mass density; mass
size; calcification shape and distribution,"
said Dr. Chhatwal, lead author of the study.
"Had
the radiologists combined their assessments
with the computer model they could have
detected 41 more cancers as compared to
their routine practice.
"The
model found that the use of hormones and a
family history of breast cancer did not
contribute significant predictive ability in
this context," he said.
“One of the important roles of a radiologist
is to interpret observations made on
mammograms and predict the likelihood of
breast cancer.
However, assessing the influence of each
observation in the context of an increasing
number of complex risk factors is difficult.
In this study, we developed a computer model
that is designed to aid a radiologist in
breast cancer risk prediction to improve
accuracy and reduce variability,” said Dr.
Burnside.
“Our model has the potential to avoid delay
in breast cancer diagnosis and reduce the
number of unnecessary biopsies, which would
benefit many patients.
"An
accurate risk prediction may also encourage
patients to get more actively involved in
the decision-making process surrounding
their breast health," she said.
“Though much work remains to be done to
validate our system for clinical care, it
represents a promising direction that has
the potential to substantially improve
breast cancer diagnosis,” said Dr. Burnside.
This study appears in the April issue of the
American Journal of Roentgenology.
About ARRS
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) was
founded in 1900 and is the oldest radiology
society in the United States.
Its monthly journal, the American Journal of
Roentgenology, began publication in 1906.
Radiologists from all over the world attend
the ARRS annual meeting to participate in
instructional courses, scientific paper
presentations and scientific and commercial
exhibits related to the field of radiology.
The Society is named after the first Nobel
Laureate in Physics, Wilhelm Röentgen, who
discovered the x-ray in 1895
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