Breast Tissue Tumor Analysis Using Wideband Antenna and Microwave Scattering

This paper proposes a simple and computationally efficient algorithm for the detection and localization of early tumors (<5 mm) in the breast tissues. The feasibility of the proposed technique is demonstrated with three-dimensional EM simulators and validated with experimental results on a breast phantom using wideband patch antenna operating in 2.4–4.7 GHz band. The proposed method identifies the tumor location and the depth of the tumor. This is accomplished by employing a mean value approach and an efficient algorithm. Average value of the backscattered signal received by the antenna at different location is considered in the mean value technique. The depth of tumor is identified by Ground Penetrating Radar algorithm which employs the backscattered signals from the breast tissues. These data are converted to B-scan image which in turn gives the depth of the tumor. The results obtained in the experiment are in congruence with the simulated results. In the experimental analysis, the tumor location is identified when the size of the tumor is large owing to the low sensitivity of the antenna.