Optical imaging of human breast cancer

Since an increasing number of breast cancers have been reported in recent years, there is a need for improving techniques for early detection of the breast cancer. Here we tested a time gated optical imaging technique as a tool for imaging human breast. Pulsed laser light at wavelengths of 780 and 830 nm are transmitted through human breast tissues and time spectra of the diffused light through the tissue are recorded over nanoseconds. Data from different locations are acquired and used to reconstruct a two dimensional image as a set of spectra in pixel form. The imaging consists of absorption and scattering coefficients, and the absorption coefficients at the two wavelengths are related to oxygen concentration and blood volume. The analysis of these coefficients is based upon the early arrival photons, therefore allowing construction of a better image than those from the current diaphanography. We demonstrate images of breast cancer, cysts created after lumpectomy, and consequences of radiation therapy. Results show that time gated optical imaging can image oxygen concentration in the cancerous and fibrotic breasts. Resolution of the imaging for smaller tumor size needs to be improved.