Breast Mass Classification in Mammograms using Ensemble Convolutional Neural Networks

The paper presents quantitative results of a preliminary study undertaken as part of Decision Support and Information Management System for Breast Cancer (DESIREE). DESIREE is a European-funded project to improve the management of primary breast cancer through image-based, guideline-based, experience-based, and case-based information systems. In this study we explore the use of ensemble deep learning for breast mass classification in mammograms. The proposed method is based on AlexNet with some modifications in order to adapt it to our classification problem. Subsequently, model selection is performed to select the best three results based on the highest validation accuracies during the validation phase. Finally, the prediction is based on the average probability of the models. Experimental evaluation shows that accuracy from individual models ranges between 75% and 77%, but combining the best models (ensemble networks) results in over 80% classification accuracy and aura under the curve.