Interobserver Variation in Interpretation of Mammograms: Focused on Findings Suggestive of Malignancy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inter observer variation in interpretation of the mammographic findings suggesting malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two mammograms of proven breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed by5 radiologists based on the 15 findings that suggest malignancy. Using kappa value, the degree of interobserver agreement was calculated. RESULTS: There were fair to excellent interobserver agreements for 5 findings which were clustered microcalcifications(k=0.7642), ductal calcifications (k=0.5463), lobulated mass(k=0.4539), asymmetric breast parenchyma (k=0.4487) and nipple retraction(k=0.4061). The finding in which kappa value was lessthan 0.2 were intramammary lymph node(k=0.1572), duct ectasia(k=0.1453), phleomorphic calcifications(k=0.1309), architectural distortion(k=0.1247) and stellate mass(k=0.0200). CONCLUSION: The most reliable finding suggesting breast cancer was clustered microcalcifications.