Factors influencing false negative rates in xeromammography.

Xeromammographic false negatives were analyzed to ascertain the cause of the errors and determine what corrective measures could be taken. Of 52 cancers miscalled, 52% were not visualized and 48% were categorized as misinterpretations. The causes of these errors are discussed. The error rate in all but 8% of the former group appears to be irreducible, yet errors discussed in the latter group are thought to be correctable in a high percentage of cases. Recommendations to reduce the number of false negatives in this group are presented.