This is a picture of a computer system

What is CAD?

CAD stands for "computer-aided detection". It is a computerized system that utilizes sophisticated pattern recognition software to identify certain characteristics in medical images that are associated with cancer and marks them for the radiologist. The R2 ImageChecker system helps direct the radiologist's attention to selected areas with features indicative of breast cancer.




Mammography films are scanned into the computer and then analyzed for suspicious patterns. The CAD system acts like a "spellchecker" and marks particular regions of interest that may be associated with breast cancer for the radiologist's review. Microcalcifications are marked by a triangle and masses are marked by an asterisk *. The radiologist then reviews both the original mammography films and the CAD images to make a diagnosis. An FDA approved claim states "The use of the ImageChecker could result in earlier detection of up to 23.4 percent of the cancers currently detected with screening mammography in those women who had a prior screening mammogram 9-24 months earlier."