Hyperthermia Study in Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract

This paper assesses the initial collateral effects which result from the use of hyperthermia, a technique that elevates the temperature in specific areas of the body to tackle present malignant cells. In this particular case, the focus of study is breast cancer treatment by means of an electromagnetic simulation model. The breast model was created by using the electrical properties of tissues and was radiated by microwaves with a waveguide at 950 MHz, 2.45 GHz and 6 GHz to generate increased temperature and distribute power density inside the breast. In the model, two methods were used to obtain the power density in a tumor and other breast tissues (skin, fat, and muscle). One result shows the general distribution of power density throughout a map on color scale, and the second result shows the normalized power density in the local breast parts. In the same way, results show that the microwave applicator (waveguide) location is a determinant factor.