Breast tissue classification in digital tomosynthesis images based on global gradient minimization and texture features

Xulei Qin, Guolan Lu, Ioannis Sechopoulos, Baowei Fei

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a pseudo-three-dimensional x-ray imaging modality proposed to decrease the effect of tissue superposition present in mammography, potentially resulting in an increase in clinical performance for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Tissue classification in DBT images can be useful in risk assessment, computer-aided detection and radiation dosimetry, among other aspects. However, classifying breast tissue in DBT is a challenging problem because DBT images include complicated structures, image noise, and out-of-plane artifacts due to limited angular tomographic sampling. In this project, we propose an automatic method to classify fatty and glandular tissue in DBT images. First, the DBT images are pre-processed to enhance the tissue structures and to decrease image noise and artifacts. Second, a global smooth filter based on L0 gradient minimization is applied to eliminate detailed structures and enhance large-scale ones. Third, the similar structure regions are extracted and labeled by fuzzy C-means (FCM) classification. At the same time, the texture features are also calculated. Finally, each region is classified into different tissue types based on both intensity and texture features. The proposed method is validated using five patient DBT images using manual segmentation as the gold standard. The Dice scores and the confusion matrix are utilized to evaluate the classified results. The evaluation results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method for classifying breast glandular and fat tissue on DBT images.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2014
Subtitle of host publicationImage Processing
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Print)9780819498274
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
EventMedical Imaging 2014: Image Processing - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 16 2014Feb 18 2014

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume9034
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMedical Imaging 2014: Image Processing
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period2/16/142/18/14

Keywords

  • Breast tissue classification
  • Digital breast tomosynthesis
  • Global gradient minimization
  • Texture features

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Biomaterials

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Breast tissue classification in digital tomosynthesis images based on global gradient minimization and texture features'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this