Two-dimensional FDTD analysis of a pulsed microwave confocal system for breast cancer detection: fixed-focus and antenna-array sensors

Abstract

Abstract-A novel focused active microwave system is investigated for detecting tumors in the breast. In contrast to X-ray and ultrasound modalities, the method reviewed here exploits the breast-tissue physical properties unique to the microwave spectrum, namely, the translucent nature of normal breast tissues and the high dielectric contrast between malignant tumors and surrounding lesion-free normal breast tissues. The system uses a pulsed confocal technique and time-gating to enhance the detection of tumors while suppressing the effects of tissue heterogeneity and absorption. Using published data for the dielectric properties of normal breast tissues and malignant tumors, we have conducted a two-dimensional (2-D) finite-difference timedomain (FDTD) computational electromagnetics analysis of the system. The FDTD simulations showed that tumors as small as 2 mm in diameter could be robustly detected in the presence of the background clutter generated by the heterogeneity of the surrounding normal tissue. Lateral spatial resolution of the tumor location was found to be about 0.5 cm.

Experimental and clinical results of breast cancer detection using UWB microwave radar

“…In radar-based imaging, the goal is to create a map of microwave scattering, arising from the contrast in dielectric properties within the breast. The radar approach originates from military and ground-penetrating applications and was proposed for breast cancer detection in the late nineties independently by Benjamin in 1996 [2,3] and Hagness in 1998 [4].…”

Thermal Therapy, Part IV: Electromagnetic and Thermal Dosimetry

“…Microwave imaging has been explored as a new modality for breast cancer diagnosis since tissue physical properties are unique to the microwave spectrum, namely, the translucent nature of normal breast tissues and the signifi cant contrast in the dielectric properties of normal tissue and malignant tumors. 238,239 Although the specifi c contrasts vary with frequency and among the results from different groups, there is now a general belief that these contrasts are substantial, especially near 800 MHz. [240][241][242][243][244] Other clinical evaluations were made with radiometers for measuring changes in lung water, 222 cerebral temperatures, 223 measurement of blood fl ow, 225 and infl ammatory arthritis.…”

An Overview of Uwb Antennas for Microwave Imaging Systems for Cancer Detection Purposes

“…In that sense, some techniques based on microwave signals using image reconstruction algorithms have been investigated [8][9][10][11]. Compared to X-rays, microwave imaging can be safely repeated more frequently because it is free from ionizing radiation [12].…”