Development of a three-dimensional finite element model of breast mechanics

A typical breast cancer examination involves the comparison of image patterns in mammograms of craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views. Obtaining these mammograms requires the compression of the breast in two different directions. During compression, breast tissues undergo large deformations and hence the CC and MLO views do not show exactly the same region of the breast. Nonrigid body registration algorithms typically do not account for the mechanics of the deformation and are thus prone to alignment errors. Finite element model predictions of breast tissue deformation ensure that only physically plausible deformations are used in registration algorithms. A modeling framework has been developed to create anatomically accurate finite element models of the breast. A semi-automatic procedure has been formulated to generate patient specific finite element geometries of breast anatomy. Validation of model predictions has also been conducted on silicon gel samples subjected to gravity loading.