Computer-Aided Diagnosis for X-ray Imaging

This chapter provides an overview of the operating principles of computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, with specific focus on breast and colon cancer diagnosis. It shows how advances in X-ray imaging modalities reflect on CAD technology, as for instance with the shift from two-dimensional mammography to three-dimensional tomosynthesis. The chapter discusses how CAD technology can be integrated with the radiologist's workflow according to different paradigms, and its impact on accuracy and efficacy. It describes principles of clinical validation and practical implementation of CAD. CAD applications are being developed for a multitude of imaging technologies and clinical applications. Most CAD applications are implemented through a pipeline of image processing and pattern recognition modules. A typical computed tomography (CT) Colonography CAD systems comprises a first phase, in which digital cleansing and colon surface extraction is performed, and a second phase, in which CAD candidates are segmented and filtered.