Discrimination of breast tumors in ultrasonic images using an ensemble classifier based on the AdaBoost algorithm with feature selection

IEEE Trans Med Imaging. 2010 Mar;29(3):598-609. doi: 10.1109/TMI.2009.2022630.

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel algorithm to estimate a log-compressed K distribution parameter and presents an algorithm to discriminate breast tumors in ultrasonic images. We computed a total of 208 features for discrimination, including those based on a parameter of a log-compressed K-distribution, which quantifies the homogeneity of the echo pattern in the tumor, but is influenced by compression parameters in the ultrasonic device. The proposed algorithm estimates the parameter of the log-compressed K-distribution in a manner free from this influence. To quantify irregularities in tumor shape, pattern-spectrum-based features were newly developed in this paper. The discrimination process uses an ensemble classifier trained by a multiclass AdaBoost learning algorithm (AdaBoost.M2), combined with a sequential feature-selection process. A 10-fold cross-validation test validated the performance, and the results were compared with those of a Mahalanobis distance-based classifier and a multiclass support vector machine. A total of 200 carcinomas, 50 fibroadenomas, and 50 cysts were used in the experiments. This paper demonstrates that the combination of a classifier trained by AdaBoost.M2 and features based on the estimated parameter of a log-compressed K-distribution, as well as those of the pattern spectrum, are useful for the discrimination of tumors.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Breast Cyst / classification
  • Breast Cyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / classification
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma / classification
  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Fibroadenoma / classification
  • Fibroadenoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods*