This paper presents a method to provide contrast enhancement in dense breast digitized images, which are difficult cases in testing of computer-aided diagnosis schemes. Three techniques were developed and results of each one of them were combined in order to provide a better result in relation to detection of clustered microcalcifications. Results obtained during tests indicated that by combining all the developed techniques it is possible to improve the performance of a processing scheme designed to detect microcalcifications clusters. It also allows distinguishing some of these structures in low contrast images, which were not detected in conventional processing before the contrast enhancement. As consequence, this investigation shows the possibility for CAD schemes in mammography reaches a better performance in microcalcifications detection in dense breast images.