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GGO CharacterizationThe goal of pulmonary nodule characterization is to obtain robust estimates of size and other nodule features that can be used to assess probability of malignancy. By making measurements with high precision using a computer, lung cancers can be detected at earlier stages and with smaller time intervals between screenings, which could have positive effects on the cure rate. Most of the computer characterization studies available have been conducted on solid pulmonary nodules. Improvements in CT technology and increasing number of accumulated cases have allowed radiologists to find a new type of abnormality, referred to in the literature as GGO or non/partsolid nodule. These abnormalities have radiological appearance and malignancy rates that are different from those of the solid nodule. Characterization of the non/partsolid nodules could lead to better knowledge about their evolution and better screening protocols. The complicating factors are the fact that CT data is anisotropic and presence of other lung structures. |