A novel method for microwave breast cancer detection

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel method for breast cancer detection using a parallel-plate waveguide probe (PPWP) for S11 measurements. A tumor present alters the S11 or reflection coefficient at the aperture of the PPWP. The larger the dielectric contrast between a healthy tissue and a tumor, the larger is the contrast in the reflection measured. The simulation showed the resonating backscattered signals may be used to estimate the size and location of the tumor, with the assumption that the tumor has higher dielectric constant than the surrounding tissues.