A computer-based decision support system for diagnostic histopathology of the breast

Accurate histological diagnosis of breast lesions is essential for the appropriate management of the patient. However, the technique of histological typing is problematic due to the large number of histological patterns, often of a complex and variable nature, which occur in breast disease. The introduction of the Breast Screening Programme has increased the burden on pathologists, and emphasised the need for training. Problems arise because mammographic screening detects a greater proportion of special histological types, with their attendant difficulties of identification, when compared to clinically palpable lesions. A computer-based decision support tool has been developed to assist pathologists in the histological diagnosis of breast disease. Unlike conventional expert systems, which seek to recreate the problem-solving processes of an expert, this system has been designed to act as an intelligent assistant to the pathologist. The system represents knowledge in the form of 'disease profiles', and utilises a novel inference model based upon the mathematical technique of hypergraphs. Initial trials with this system have demonstrated that a high level of diagnostic accuracy can be achieved.