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Frequently Asked Questions
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| Q |
What does the future hold for computer aided detection (CAD)? |
| A |
Currently, computer
aided detection (CAD) software evaluates the
anatomic features on medical images looking
for characteristics that may be clinically
suspicious and brings them to the attention
of the radiologist.
In the coming years more
focus will be placed on describing the composition
of a breast lesion or lung nodule, rather than
simply where it is located. By providing metrics
and geometric descriptors to the radiologists,
CAD may influence not only detection but also
interpretation of abnormalities.
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| Q |
What are the most important questions to ask when choosing a breast imaging CAD system? |
| A |
There are several factors to consider when selecting a CAD system for breast images such as compatibility, confidence in its detection rates and future applications.
All major softcopy workstation manufacturers, such as Hologic and GE, are approved for display of any vendor's digital mammograms. However, we do know that in the past GE has had issues displaying Selenia images on their workstations. I would recommend that you contact a GE representative, as they would be the most appropriate source to answer your question.
Take into account the mammography equipment you are using, today and in the future. The CAD product should be compatible with your PACS vendor, diagnostic workstations, and imaging system: screen-film, digital or both.
CAD systems differ in how and why they mark suspicious lesions, their sensitivity and specificity levels. Evaluate the percentage of false markings per case as that has a direct impact on radiologist workflow. Some CAD systems offer variable operating points allowing the sensitivity and specificity to be customized to the radiologists' preference.
If transitioning to digital is in your future, look to the CAD system that will ease the process by allowing you to digitize your film images, store them to PACS or mini-PACS for later retrieval when you adopt digital mammography.
Most important is confidence in your CAD system. Believing that it's working to improve your rate of breast cancer detection as well as finding difficult to detect cancers at the earliest possible stage.
For more information on digital mammography and CAD solutions,
click
here.
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