1. A method for determining a change in size of an identified pattern over time comprising the steps of: identifying a pattern on one or more medical images, determining a pattern size of said identified pattern using a computer aided detection system; associating each of said medical images with a medical exam date; placing each of said medical images in a patient category in a medical imaging database; displaying a medical image to a user via a user interface, said displayed image having a displayed pattern and said displayed image further belonging to a displayed image patient category; and compiling a pattern growth rate for said displayed pattern over time, wherein said pattern grown rate is based on the identified pattern size of the displayed pattern and the medical exam date for each medical image belonging to said displayed image patient category.