Determination of the breast cancer tumor diameter using a UWB microwave antenna system

Abstract

This paper presents a novel ultra-wideband microwave antenna system to detect breast cancer and estimate tumor diameter. The system operates within the frequency range of 1 to 12 GHz and comprises a microstrip-fed monopole antenna that encircles the breast to identify the presence of tumors. The study demonstrates that a tumor within the breast can be detected by observing changes in the distribution of current density within the breast tissue, particularly in regions containing tumors of varying sizes. The research findings reveal that the system can identify breast tumors with the highest recorded current density of 188 A/m2 in cases with a tumor diameter of 30 mm, while the lowest recorded current density is 140 A/m2 for tumors with a diameter of 5 mm. Furthermore, the highest Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value measured at the surface of the breast model is 0.2 W/kg. To determine the diameter of the tumors, the system collects and analyzes backscattered waves from a breast model. The investigation covers tumors with diameters ranging from 1 mm to 35 mm, and the received signals are recorded. In contrast to prior research, this study introduces an empirical model with a remarkable accuracy rate of 92.28% for characterizing the diameter of breast tumors based on the measurement analysis.