Challenges of Image Quality of Convectional and Digital Mammography

CHALLENGES OF IMAGE QUALITIES IN CONVECTIONAL AND DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

ANIAGOLU AUGUSTINE E.

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY AND RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA ENUGU CAMPUS

1.0 Introduction

Analysis of image quality has meaning primarily in the context of a particular imaging task. This work has been developed with reference to specific imaging tasks required by mammography, using the information available in the peer-reviewed medical literature regarding digital mammography acquisition, image processing and display, storage, transmission, and retrieval. Specifically, the imaging tasks unique to mammography that determine the essential characteristics of a high quality mammogram are its ability to visualize the following features of breast cancer:

1. The characteristic morphology of a mass.

2. The shape and spatial configuration of calcifications.

3. Distortion of the normal architecture of the breast tissue.

4. Asymmetry between images of the left and right breast.

5. The development of anatomically definable changes when compared to prior studies.

The primary goal of mammography is to detect breast cancer, if it exists, by accurately visualizing these features. At the same time, it is important that these signs of breast cancer not be falsely identified if breast cancer is not present. It is widely recognized that high quality images are imperative for reliable detection and accurate characterization of subtle lesions in the breast with mammography. The quality of the images depends critically on the design and performance of the xray unit and image receptor, and on how that equipment is used to acquire and process the mammogram. In addition, the type of display and the conditions under which the image is viewed have an important effect on the ability of the radiologist to extract the information recorded in the mammogram.

In general the phrase “mammographic image quality” can be considered to mean the ease with which...