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The fractal dimension may be a useful morphometric discriminant in histopathology
Author(s) -
Cross Simon S.,
Cotton Dennis W. K.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711660414
Subject(s) - fractal dimension , fractal , fractal dimension on networks , mathematics , fractal analysis , dimension (graph theory) , discriminant , fractal landscape , histopathology , multifractal system , pattern recognition (psychology) , geometry , artificial intelligence , pure mathematics , mathematical analysis , computer science , pathology , medicine
The hypothesis is presented that fractal geometry, and the fractal dimension in particular, is likely to be a more useful method of image analysis in histopathology than the use of regular Euclidean geometry. The concept of the fractal dimension is described and it is suggested that many human tumours have a fractal structure over a wide range of scales. It is postulated that the fractal dimension will be useful in discriminating between different diagnostic categories and may also allow more precise prognostic stratification within single diagnostic groups.