Mammographic density, 2D vs 3D methods: quantitative analysis of difference

Abstract

Mammographic quantitative breast density (QBD), the ratio of fibroglandular tissue to whole breast volume, is known to be important for risk assessment for breast cancer. Most methods are based on 2D projections, though some use MRI. We show two methods for determining QBD from 3D ultrasound tomographic (UT) images, their equivalence and superiority over other methods of estimation. False assignments to breast density can occur if projection methods are used. A sigmoidal function is fit using a log likelihood maximization and the QBD from MRI images is compared with QBD as calculated from 3D UT showing strong correlation.