[Improved classification of x-ray images of the breast parenchyma]

Classification after J. Wolfe is the most popular classification of mammographic images of the breast to date. It distinguishes four (N1, P1, P2 and DY) types of breast parenchyma according to size of a shadow observed. P2 (subtotal) and DY (total involvement) types imply the highest risk of cancer. The study showed that criteria of the types distinguished are indistinct making it difficult to identify true high risk conditions. It is suggested that J. Wolfe's classification be detailed further, viz. conditions with and without nodular structures (N+ and N0) should be distinguished as well as types with homogeneous and nonhomogeneous non-nodular structures (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, etc.). The analysis of 167 mammograms of verified cancer and precancer showed the modified classification to more clearly identify various types of breast parenchyma and to more reliably define those carrying the highest risk for cancer.