Analysis of Inter-rater Reliability of the Mammography Assessment after Image Processing

The aim of this study is to assess whether image processing causes information lost on mammography images. In the study, 50 mammogram from MIAS database (open database of mammograms) are selected: 20 images include mass, 20 images include calcification and 10 normal images. Selected images are read and marked by radiologists. The same radiologists read the enhanced version of images after three months later. In order to assess the consistency, inter-rater reliability statistics are used. Results indicate that image processing on mammography images especially images without calcification does not affect radiologists' evaluation consistency. Also, it is indicated that images including calcifications reduce evaluation consistency of the radiologists and it is decided to use other image processing methods for images with calcifications.