Development and evaluation of a reliable and valid image evaluation system for digital mammography

Summary

The image evaluation system for digital mammography project will focus on the development of a tool which will maximise optimal outcomes for women participating in breast screening by ensuring that all breast tissue is present on the digital images and can be visualised effectively.

Supervisor(s)

Professor Patrick Brennan

Research Location

Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Research Group

Program Type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

High quality images are essential in breast screening. A reliable and valid image evaluation system is crucial in ensuring high quality images are provided for interpretation by readers. Evaluating breast images ensures that all breast tissue is demonstrated on the image and that all the breast tissue is visualized optimally. If breast tissue is missing or is obscured then a breast cancer may be missed. The goals of breast screening by mammography are to detect breast cancers at an early stage so that the prognosis is improved and mortality rates reduced. High quality images are therefore essential for early detection. Current image evaluation systems have been found to have low inter-reader reliability. These systems have been developed for film/screen mammography which is now rapidly being replaced by digital mammography in Australia and overseas. Digital images demonstrate breast features in differing perspectives from film/screen images and therefore the development of a reliable image evaluation system for digital mammography is essential.

Additional Information

Other possible research areas for PhD topics: Digital mammography

• Relationship between digital images, image quality and breast density
• Impact of radiographic parameter selection and image quality in digital mammography
• Impact of digital mammography on radiographers, radiologists and patients.

Keywords

Breast Cancer, Breast imaging, Digital mammography, Breast screening, Image evaluation systems, Cancer & leukaemia, Professional practice, Public health & social medicine

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 79

Other opportunities with Professor Patrick Brennan

• Validation of simulated noise on breast and chest radiology images
• Establishment of optimum viewing times for radiological images
• Magnetic resonance micro-imaging of human and animal tissue.
• Investigating early low and no dose predictors of breast density, for the purpose of breast cancer detection