Noninvasive assessment of breast cancer risk using time-resolved diffuse optical spectroscopy

Abstract

Breastdensity is a recognized strong and independent risk factor forbreast cancer. We propose the use of time-resolved transmittance spectroscopyto estimate breast tissue density and potentially provide even moredirect information on breast cancer risk. Time-resolved optical mammography atseven wavelengths (635 to 1060 nm) is performed on 49subjects. Average information on breast tissue of each subject isobtained on oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin, water, lipids, and collagen content,as well as scattering amplitude and power. All parameters, exceptfor blood volume and oxygenation, correlate with mammographic breast density,even if not to the same extent. A synthetic opticalindex proves to be quite effective in separating different breastdensity categories. Finally, the estimate of collagen content as amore direct means for the assessment of breast cancer riskis discussed. ©2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers