Instrumentation and clinical applications in frequency-domainoptical mammography

摘要

We describe an instrument for frequency-domain light mammography(LIMA), and we present clinical results obtained on patients affected bybreast cancer. This instrument uses two laser diodes emitting at 690 and825 nm. Their intensities are modulated at a frequency of 110 MHz. Theamplitude and the phase of the intensity wave are the measuredquantities. The breast is slightly compressed between two glass platesand the optical signal is detected in transmission, i.e. on the oppositeside of the illuminated spot of the breast. The acquisition time for afull breast image is about 3 minutes. Edge effects (that are mainly dueto the breast thickness variability within the scanned area) arecorrected by an algorithm of data analysis which enhances the contrastof the optical mammograms. In the clinical applications, we successfullydetected 27 out of 37 malignant tumors (73%). This result shows thepractical feasibility and the significant potential of frequency-domainoptical mammography