Successful methods to reduce false-positive mammography interpretations.

Abstract

Several approaches to mammographic interpretation and breast imaging management have been developed that substantially reduce the frequency of false-positive cases, involving both recall examinations and biopsies, without meaningfully reducing the detection of nonpalpable favorable-prognosis cancers. By applying these approaches successfully, on a nationwide scale, radiologists should be able to demonstrate convincingly that the benefits of mammography far outweigh the risks of false-positive interpretations. The challenge we face is to learn to use the approaches effectively, thereby achieving widespread use.