Development of X-ray slot scan diffraction imaging for detection of carcinoma

In this study, we present a simple, low dose, cost-effective slot scan diffraction imaging system compatible with attenuation mammography to improve detection and localization of carcinoma. The system captures angle-resolved coherent scatter information to enhance tissue contrast beyond what is achievable with conventional imaging alone. Slot scan diffraction imaging employed simultaneously with conventional attenuation imaging has the potential to provide new information that could improve the sensitivity and specificity of mammography. Performance was evaluated using small ex-vivo benign and cancerous human breast tissue samples. The detection of carcinoma embedded in benign tissue demonstrated the feasibility of this approach for enhancing breast cancer detectability with a set up that could be readily adapted into a clinically relevant system.