A reconfigurable model for virtual tumour detection within a breast

This paper details progress towards a real time palpation simulator. We explore the potential of employing a mass spring system coupled with a haptic interface to realise this. Our motivation lies with enhancing the skills required to detect breast cancer as early as possible. However there are issues in emulating the behaviour of soft tissues using this approach, particularly if the composition of the model is inhomogeneous. Therefore our research is concerned with incorporating material properties and enhancing surface response upon contact, which is important for the simulator. We compare our model with analogous finite element models and discrete volumetric models to establish physical realism. Despite the absence of volumetric mesh, the initial evaluations show that the model can reproduce the presence of a tumour in a localised region. The model is receptive and can be reconfigured to simulate a variety of breast-tumour compositions. We look to integrate this with a deformable breast model that can be used to train the skills required for breast palpation.