A registration framework for the comparison of mammogram sequences

In this paper, we present a two-stage algorithm for mammogram registration, the geometrical alignment of mammogram sequences. The rationale behind this paper stems from the intrinsic difficulties in comparing mammogram sequences. Mammogram comparison is a valuable tool in national breast screening programs as well as in frequent monitoring and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The method presented in this paper aims to improve mammogram comparison by estimating the underlying geometric transformation for any mammogram sequence. It takes into consideration the various temporal changes that may occur between successive scans of the same woman and is designed to overcome the inconsistencies of mammogram image formation.