Location of Early Stage Tumor Detection using Microwave Imaging in the Breast Phantom

Abstract

Background: Universally, the most predominant cause of female mortality is mainly due to breast cancer. Owing to numerous constraints in the existing imaging technique, researchers are trying out an alternative tool to detect the tumor before going to the miserable stage. Methods: This article presents a novel method to detect the mean value system for detecting the location of the tumor in different depths by shifting the antenna anywhere in the breast tissue. In addition, an algorithm to reconstruct the breast image, namely Delay-Multiply-and-Sum (DMAS) is followed to identify the tumor implanted in the breast tissue. Results: The analysis shows that the maximum mean value occurs while the antenna moves very near to the tumor while the mean value reduces while the antenna shifts apart from the tumor location. The mean value in different locations is converted into a microwave image. The high intensity in the image exhibits the precise position of the tumor. This technique can identify the location of early-stage tumor of size 3mm. Multiple tumors of sizes 6mm and 7mm can identify at a depth of 12mm and 18mm in the homogeneous breast phantom. DMAS can provide better imaging results in the early stage tumor of size 3mm embedded in the breast phantom. Conclusion: Microwave imaging is an efficient technique to differentiate healthy and malignant tissue in the breast. Antenna plays a major role in identifying tumors in the breast in the early stage. Hence a high-performance Ultra Wideband Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA-UWB) is used to identify the tumor in the breast. An antenna is sketched in different locations of the breast phantom. On account of the hemispherical structure, the mean value of the reflected signal is high at the center than at the edge. Hence, the difference in mean value is calculated with and without breast phantom for identifying the tumor location. The overall efficiency of this technique can be improved by using a high-performance UWB antenna. The image of the breast is reformed by the DMAS beamforming algorithm.