Portable Breast Scanner Allows Immediate Cancer Diagnosis

Zhipeng Wu from University of Manchester (UK) has invented a portable scanner based on radiofrequency technology, which is able to show in a second the presence of breast tumors--malignant and benign-- on a computer. Using radiofrequency or microwave technology for breast cancer detection has been validated by researchers in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. However, up to now, it could take a few minutes for an image to be produced, and this had to be done in a hospital or specialist care center.

Now Prof. Wu, from the University's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, says concerned patients can receive real-time video images in using the radiofrequency scanner, which would clearly show the presence of a tumor. Not only is this a faster and less-intrusive way of testing, it also means women can be tested at general practitioner (GP) offices, which could help dramatically reduce waiting times and in some cases avoid unnecessary X-ray mammography. The scanner could also be used at home for continuous monitoring of breast health.

The patented real-time radiofrequency scanner employs computed tomography (CT) technology and works by using the same technology as a mobile phone, but with only a tiny fraction of its power. This makes it both safe and low-cost and the electronics can be housed in a case the size of a shoebox for compactness and portability.

The typical method of detecting breast cancer is mammography, which works well for women over the age of 50 and can give results of up to 95% accuracy, but it is far less effective for younger women. The detection rate could be as low as 60% for women under the age of 50, which accounts for 20% of all breast cancer cases. At that stage, it is even more important get accurate diagnosis.

The main difference between the two methods is that mammography works on density, while radiofrequency technique works on dielectric contrasts between normal and diseased breast tissues. In Prof. Wu's design, as soon as the breast enters the cup an image appears on screen. The presence of a tumor or other abnormality will show up in red as the sensor detects the difference in tissue contrasts at radio frequencies. Malignant tissues have higher permittivity and conductivity and therefore appear differently than normal ones to a screen. Up to 30 images are generated every second, meaning a breast scan could be conducted in a comparatively short time.

Prof. Wu said, "The system we have is portable and as soon as you lie down you can get a scan--it's real-time. The real-time imaging minimizes the chance of missing a breast tumor during scanning. Other systems also need to use a liquid or gel as a matching substance, such as in an ultrasound, to work but with our system you don't need that--it can be done simply in oil, milk, water, or even with a bra on. Although there is still research to be done, the system has great potential to bring a new way for breast cancer diagnosis. This will benefit millions of women in both developed and developing countries bearing in mind that one in nine women may develop breast cancer in their lifetime."

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