Automatic detection of microcalcifications with multi-fractal spectrum

For improving the detection of micro-calcifications (MCs), this paper proposes an automatic detection of MC sys- tem making use of multi-fractal spectrum in digitized mammograms. The approach of automatic detection system is based on the principle that normal tissues possess certain fractal properties which change along with the presence of MCs. In this sys- tem, multi-fractal spectrum is applied to reveal such fractal properties. By quantifying the deviations of multi-fractal spec- trums between normal tissues and MCs, the system can identify MCs altering the fractal properties and finally locate the position of MCs. The performance of the proposed system is compared with the leading automatic detection systems in a mammographic image database. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system is statistically superior to most of the compared systems and delivers a superior performance.