An inverse heat transfer approach for patient-specific breast cancer detection and tumor localization using surface thermal images in the prone position
التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
العنوان:
An inverse heat transfer approach for patient-specific breast cancer detection and tumor localization using surface thermal images in the prone position
A novel technique is proposed based on the solution of the inverse heat transfer problem using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The method utilizes a patient-specific digital breast model and clinical Infrared imaging (IRI) images in the prone position to detect and localize a malignant tumor within the breast. The clinical IRI images are obtained from multiple views in the prone position, which allows access to the entire breast surface. The challenge of detecting a malignant tumor and accurately estimating its size and location within the breast is addressed through the solution of the inverse heat transfer problem built upon numerical simulations using patient-specific digital breast models. The proposed method was validated using clinical multi-view IRI images of the breasts of seven patients (one with bilateral breast cancer) with biopsy-proven breast cancer. The screening technique is found to be fast and accurate, and has the potential to be an effective adjunct to mammography especially for breasts with dense tissue.
