Obtaining breast density measurements and classifications

US10376230B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• iCAD, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey C. Wehnes · Richardson, US
• Arunkumar Gururajan · Redmond, US
• James P. Monaco · Piscataway, US
• Ronald Larcom · San Jose, US
• James H. Pike · Carrollton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 10, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2019
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30068
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Breast density measurements are used to perform Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) classification during breast cancer screenings. The accuracy of breast density measurements can be improved by quantitatively processing digital mammographic images. For example, breast segmentation may be performed on a mammographic image to isolate the breast tissue from the background and pectoralis tissue, while a breast thickness adjustment may be performed to compensate for decreased tissue thickness near the skin line of the breast. In some instances, BI-RADS density categorization may consider the degree to which dense tissue is dispersed throughout the breast. A breast density dispersion parameter can also be obtained using quantitative techniques, thereby providing objective BI-RADS classifications that are less susceptible to human error.