title: Artificial neural networks in mammography interpretation and diagnostic decision making.
abstract: Screening mammography is the most effective means for early detection of breast cancer. Although general rules for discriminating malignant and benign lesions exist, radiologists are unable to perfectly detect and classify all lesions as malignant and benign, for many reasons which include, but are not limited to, overlap of features that distinguish malignancy, difficulty in estimating disease risk, and variability in recommended management. When predictive variables are numerous and interact, ad hoc decision making strategies based on experience and memory may lead to systematic errors and variability in practice. The integration of computer models to help radiologists increase the accuracy of mammography examinations in diagnostic decision making has gained increasing attention in the last two decades. In this study, we provide an overview of one of the most commonly used models, artificial neural networks (ANNs), in mammography interpretation and diagnostic decision making and discuss important features in mammography interpretation. We conclude by discussing several common limitations of existing research on ANN-based detection and diagnostic models and provide possible future research directions.
authors.affiliation: H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 765 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA 30332, USA. ayer@isye.gatech.edu
authors.forename: Turgay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ayer
authors.forename: Qiushi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Elizabeth S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Burnside
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019295:Computational Biology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D011871:Radiology; D012307:Risk Factors