Notations for high efficiency data presentation in mammography

As a result of improvements in Medical Language Processing, the availability of categorical information (such as diagnoses or radiology findings) is increasing rapidly. This increased availability has created a need for more efficient methods for computer presentation. One method for developing such presentations would be to adapt the hand-written notation systems already used in paper-based records. We have characterized one such notation system, the Mammography Notation Sublanguage(MNS). The MNS is a true medical sublanguage, with a definable lexicon and syntax. Compared with text reports, it represents a 37-fold size compression. A single "base", sublanguage pattern is identified for possible computer presentation of mammography findings. The issues involved in using such sublanguages for data presentation are discussed.