Microwave Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection: Performance Assessment of a Next-Generation Transmission System

Microwave imaging has been proposed for breast cancer detection and treatment monitoring. Prototype systems based on tomography and radar-based techniques have been tested on human subjects with promising results. Previously, we developed a system that estimated average permittivity in regions of the breast using signals transmitted through the tissues. Encouraging results with volunteers and patients motivated development of a system capable of creating more detailed images of the entire breast.

In this paper, we aim to assess the performance of this next generation microwave imaging system and demonstrate scans of human subjects that relate to clinical information.

With a novel imaging system, scans of homogeneous phantoms and phantoms with inclusions of various sizes are collected. The accuracy, detection and localization are assessed. A pilot study is carried out with a small group of volunteers with previous mammograms.

Images of flexible phantoms have average error of less than 10 % in the reconstructed average permittivity. Detection of inclusions of 1 cm diameter and greater is demonstrated. The feasibility of scanning human subjects is also demonstrated by providing microwave images of several healthy volunteers with previous mammograms.

A novel high-resolution microwave transmission imaging system, in conjunction with a fast quantitative reconstruction algorithm capable of detecting 1 cm diameter inclusions, is designed for breast imaging applications. It can image various breast sizes without the need for matching fluid.

Overall, the results indicate that this imaging system is well suited for further exploration of microwave imaging with human subjects.