A Multi-label Artificial Intelligence Approach for Improving Breast Cancer Detection With Mammographic Image Analysis

Breast cancer remains a major global health concern. This study aimed to develop a deep-learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) model that predicts the malignancy of mammographic lesions and reduces unnecessary biopsies in patients with breast cancer.

In this retrospective study, we used deep-learning-based AI to predict whether lesions in mammographic images are malignant. The AI model learned the malignancy as well as margins and shapes of mass lesions through multi-label training, similar to the diagnostic process of a radiologist. We used the Curated Breast Imaging Subset of Digital Database for Screening Mammography. This dataset includes annotations for mass lesions, and we developed an algorithm to determine the exact location of the lesions for accurate classification. A multi-label classification approach enabled the model to recognize malignancy and lesion attributes.

Our multi-label classification model, trained on both lesion shape and margin, demonstrated superior performance compared with models trained solely on malignancy. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping analysis revealed that by considering the margin and shape, the model assigned higher importance to border areas and analyzed pixels more uniformly when classifying malignant lesions. This approach improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly in challenging cases, such as American College of Radiology Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System categories 3 and 4, where the breast density exceeded 50%.

This study highlights the potential of AI in improving the diagnosis of breast cancer. By integrating advanced techniques and modern neural network designs, we developed an AI model with enhanced accuracy for mammographic image analysis.