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A dynamic infrared imaging-based diagnostic process for breast cancer.
R Joro1, A-L Lääperi, P Dastidar
1Institute of Measurement and Information Technology, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland.
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|July 29, 2009
Summary
Dynamic infrared (IR) imaging shows promise for breast cancer detection, overcoming mammography
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Dynamic infrared (IR) imaging is an emerging functional imaging technique for breast cancer detection.
- Optimal imaging and diagnostic applications for this modality are still under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dynamic IR imaging for breast cancer diagnostics.
- To compare a dynamic IR imaging scheme with digital mammography and histopathology.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic IR imaging of the breast was performed preoperatively using quantum well (QWIP) and photovoltaic (PV) IR cameras.
- Image stabilization, two-phase frequency analysis, and image-processing algorithms were applied to 10 breast cancer cases.
- The study included patients aged 34-80 with breast cancers ranging from 6-45 mm.
Main Results:
- Combining image processing with frequency analysis improved breast cancer detection.
- IR imaging identified cancer areas irrespective of tissue density, size, or mammographic appearance.
- All cancers showed abnormal analysis results, including one case of ductal carcinoma in situ.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic IR imaging with image-processing-guided frequency analysis is a promising breast cancer detection tool.
- This method may overcome the tissue-dependent limitations associated with mammography.
- Further research is encouraged to compare medical IR imaging with established breast imaging modalities.
