Microwave Imaging of Breast Skin Utilizing Elliptical UWB Antenna and Reverse Problems Algorithm.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Skin cancer is a prevalent and rapidly growing malignancy.
• Microwave imaging offers advantages in resolution, speed, and artifact reduction for medical diagnostics.
• Early detection of skin cancer is crucial for effective treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a microwave imaging system for detecting skin cancer.
• To assess the system's performance in imaging small and multiple tumors within breast tissue.
• To evaluate the reliability and resolution of the developed imaging technique.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a miniaturized elliptical ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna in a semi-spherical array configuration.
• Employed an improved modified time-reversal (IMTR) algorithm for image reconstruction.
• Conducted experimental investigations using a 3D-printed breast phantom with fabricated skin and fat tissues.

Main Results:

• Successfully reconstructed 2D images of tumors as small as 1.75 mm radius.
• Demonstrated high structural similarity index and resolution in reconstructed images.
• Validated system performance using both simulated and experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The developed microwave imaging system shows promise as a reliable tool for skin cancer diagnosis.
• The system offers high-resolution imaging capabilities for detecting subsurface skin lesions.
• Further research can explore clinical applications for enhanced skin cancer detection.