Mammographic Screening: Sensitivity of General Radiologists

Abstract

High quality mammography can detect early, curable breast cancer and decrease mortality. Much research effort is being expended to improve mammography (digital mammography, computer-aided diagnosis [CAD]), and develop alternative modalities (ultrasound, MRI, radionuclide imaging). However, the human observer is at this point potentially the weakest link in the diagnostic imaging chain, and the range of performance in routine practice is unknown. We have conducted a large observer study using a standardized test base to further investigate this issue.