Algorithm to enhance low contrast features in digital mammograms

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gutierrez, L. | Alvarez, S. | Senor, P. | Caselli, E.^; | Pecelis, M. | Santiago, M.^;

Affiliations: Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pinto 399, 7000 Tandil, Argentina | Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, calle 526 entre 10 y 11, 1900 La Plata, Argentina | Centro de Diagnóstico por Imágenes, Av. España 566, 7000 Tandil | Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. Rivadavia 1917, 1033 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Note: [] Corresponding author: E. Caselli. Tel.: +54 0 2293 444432; Fax: +54 0 2293 444433; E-mail: ecaselli@exa.unicen.edu.ar

Abstract: In this paper an algorithm is reported for enhancing low contrast features in mammograms. Some features barely visible or not visible to the naked eye in original images can be observed clearly in the corresponding filtered images along with those features that are readily seen. The main characteristic of the filter is that it allows the simultaneous visualisation of low contrast anatomical features in both the dense mammary gland and the breast periphery. The contribution of the filter to a better interpretation of mammograms is illustrated with examples.

Journal: Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 143-150, 2004