A semi-empirical model for scatter field reduction in digital mammography

X-ray mammography is the gold standard technique in breast cancer screening programmes. One of main challenges that still facing scattered radiation, which degrades quality image and complicates diagnosis process. Anti-scatter grids, physical scattering reduction technique, have some unresolved as they increase dose delivered to patient, do not remove all radiation cost equipment. Alternative methods based on post-processing algorithms, lately been under investigation. This study concerned with use reduce scatter contribution image, by convolving primary plus kernels obtained from simplified Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The proposed semi-empirical approach uses up five thickness-dependant symmetric accurately estimate different areas image. Single can over-estimate signal 60%, while adapting local variations be modified for each specific case adding high computational costs. method reduces uncertainty a 4%-10% range 35-70 mm thickness range, making it very efficient, case-independent modelling technique. To test robustness method, corrected has successfully compared against full MC simulations thicknesses. In addition, clinical images 010A CIRS phantom were acquired system without presence anti-scatter grid. grid-less post-processed their was grid images, evaluating contrast-to-noise ratio variance using several objects, simulate calcifications tumour masses. results show similar levels than grids.