Detection of Pulmonary Nodules in CT Scanned Images Based on Region Growing with Optimization Parameters

Abstract

We present a more efficient computer-aided diagnosis algorithm to detect pulmonary nodules automatically in CT (Computerized Tomography) scanned images based on region growing with optimization parameters: initial seed points and constraint condition. The former are chosen by 3D (three-dimension) PCA (principal component analysis), and the later is designed by distance map and watershed algorithms. The technique was tested against more than 200 CT images of 10 typical cases from Jilin Tumor Hospital. The results confirm the validity of technique as well as enhanced performance.