Is Computer-Aided Detection Good for Screening Mammography?

CAD seemed to raise mammography recall rate in a U.K. study, but the implications for U.S. practice are unclear.

When two radiologists interpret the same screening mammogram, sensitivity is enhanced. Although double-reading is common in Europe, this procedure is not performed widely in the U.S. In a U.K. study, women who were scheduled for screening mammography were randomized to have their films read by one reader using computer-aided detection (CAD), read by two readers, or read by one reader with CAD and also double-read. Mammogram readers (radiologists, breast cancer clinicians, and trained technologists) recorded results as “recall for further assessment” or “return to routine screening.” Discordant double-reading results were arbitrated by a third reader or a pair of readers.

In 28,204 evaluable participants, 227 cancers were detected for an over…

Reviewing Authors

Henry Mark Kuerer, MD, PhD, FACS

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)