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

• Published in: IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering Vol. 72; no. 6; pp. 1787 - 1799
• Main Authors: Mojabi, Pedram, Bourqui, Jeremie, Lasemiimeni, Zahra, Grewal, Baldeep, Fear, Elise
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States IEEE 01.06.2025; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: accuracy; Algorithms; Breast; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Female; Frequency measurement; high density array; Human subjects; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Image reconstruction; Image resolution; Imaging; imaging performance; inclusion detection; Inclusions; Localization; Mammography; Medical imaging; Microwave breast imaging; Microwave Imaging; Microwave theory and techniques; Microwave transmission; Microwaves; Performance assessment; Permittivity; Permittivity measurement; Phantoms; Phantoms, Imaging; Radar imaging; Reproducibility of Results
• DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2024.3521410
• ISSN: 0018-9294; 1558-2531

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. Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Significance: 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. Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate that this imaging system is well suited for further exploration of microwave imaging with human subjects.