Development of a Common Database for Digital Mammography Research.

The purpose of this infrastructure project is to develop a large database of digitized mammograms that will be distributed free of charge to researchers working in all aspects of digital mammography. This database will facilitate and promote rapid development in digital mammography research. The database will consist of 1000 cases subdivided into 5 categories, 4 containing different breast lesions masses, microcalcifications, architectural distortions, asymmetric densities both benign and malignant and one containing normal mammograms. The mammograms will be collected and digitized O.05-mm pixel size at two sites the Universities of Chicago and North Carolina. The database will be stored at the two sites and will be available over intemet, and by mail on CD, tape and magneto-optical disks. To date 384 case have been digitized. Each case consists of index and previous exams each having four standard views and up to two special-view mammograms e.g., magnification views. The computer systems for the database have been assembled and are connected to the network. The first release of 50 cases with clustered microcalcifications will be made immediately. This trial release will be followed by another 50 cases of microcalcifications and 100 cases with masses.