A review on computer aided systems for mass detection using 3D automatic breast ultrasound (ABUS) images

Three dimensional Automatic Breast UltraSound (ABUS) is a modern and effective imaging system which can be used as an adjunct to mammography for women with dense breasts. In this paper, the ABUS imaging system is introduced and its advantages over current handheld ultrasound and other modalities are compared. Then, we emphasize on the benefits of the computerized systems to detect masses in 3D ultrasound images of whole breasts. Consequently, different state-of-the-art computer aided mass detection systems for this type of images are described in details and their limitations are discussed. Finally, potential solutions to overcome these limitations are presented.