Computer-aided detection (CAD) developer VuCOMP has updated its software to support the latest release of the American College of Radiology's BI-RADS breast imaging reporting lexicon.
Released in February, the fifth edition of BI-RADS includes density categories that focus on how the appearance of patterns and structures of the breast affect mammography sensitivity, according to VuCOMP. The company's software uses computer algorithms to classify mammograms into one of four categories, based on the BI-RADS standard:
- Breasts that are almost entirely fatty
- Breasts with scattered areas of fibroglandular density
- Breasts that are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses
- Breasts that are extremely dense, which lowers mammography sensitivity
Individuals who are in categories of greater density could receive additional screening exams. At present, 16 states in the U.S. have adopted laws requiring physicians to notify patients if they are in one of the higher-density categories.
