Diagnostic Mammograms: Interpretation Is in the Eye of the Beholder

Radiologists’ interpretations of screening mammograms are known to vary widely. In a National Cancer Institute–funded study, investigators assessed the performance of 123 radiologists in their interpretations of more than 35,000 diagnostic mammograms in women with signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Mammograms were considered positive if they were suspicious or highly suggestive of cancer or if they prompted recommendation for biopsy or surgical consultation. Women were considered to have breast cancer if invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ was diagnosed within 1 year of the diagnostic mammogram. Sensitivity was defined as the percentage of positive examinations among women with a breast cancer diagnosis. The false-positive rate …