Applying deep-layered clustering to mammography image analytics

This paper details a methodology and preliminary results for applying a hierarchy of clustering units to mammographic image data. The identification of patients with breast cancer through the detection of microcalcifications and masses is a demanding classification problem; minimal false negatives are desired while simultaneously avoiding false positives that cause unnecessary cost to patients and health institutions. This research examines a segmented look at mammograms for computer aided detection with the goal of reliably labeling regions of interest requiring the attention of a radiologist. Classification is achieved by employing the building blocks, namely unsupervised clustering, of a deep learning architecture in tandem with a standard feed-forward neural network. Early results show promise for creating a classification engine that handles high-dimensional data with minimum engineering of image features, with a per-image patch sensitivity of 0.96 and specificity of 0.99.