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Breast Density Analysis Using an Automatic Density Segmentation Algorithm

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Abstract

Breast density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. In this paper, we present an automated approach for breast density segmentation in mammographic images based on a supervised pixel-based classification and using textural and morphological features. The objective of the paper is not only to show the feasibility of an automatic algorithm for breast density segmentation but also to prove its potential application to the study of breast density evolution in longitudinal studies. The database used here contains three complete screening examinations, acquired 2 years apart, of 130 different patients. The approach was validated by comparing manual expert annotations with automatically obtained estimations. Transversal analysis of the breast density analysis of craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views of both breasts acquired in the same study showed a correlation coefficient of ρ = 0.96 between the mammographic density percentage for left and right breasts, whereas a comparison of both mammographic views showed a correlation of ρ = 0.95. A longitudinal study of breast density confirmed the trend that dense tissue percentage decreases over time, although we noticed that the decrease in the ratio depends on the initial amount of breast density.

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Notes

  1. Cumulus software, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  2. Volpara software is developed by Matakina International limited, Wellington, New Zealand

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Acknowledgments

This work was partially funded by the Spanish R+D+I grant no. TIN2012-37171-C02-01.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Architecture and Technology, University of Girona, 17071, Girona, Spain

    Arnau Oliver, Meritxell Tortajada, Xavier Lladó, Jordi Freixenet & Robert Martí

  2. UDIAT-Centre Diagnòstic, Corporació Parc Taulí, 08208, Sabadell, Spain

    Meritxell Tortajada, Sergi Ganau, Lidia Tortajada, Mariona Vilagran & Melcior Sentís

Authors
  1. Arnau Oliver
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  2. Meritxell Tortajada
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  3. Xavier Lladó
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  8. Melcior Sentís
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  9. Robert Martí
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Correspondence to Arnau Oliver.

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Oliver, A., Tortajada, M., Lladó, X. et al. Breast Density Analysis Using an Automatic Density Segmentation Algorithm. J Digit Imaging 28, 604–612 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-015-9777-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-015-9777-5

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