Evaluation of the skin thickness effects in Breast Microwave Radar images

Breast Microwave Radar is a novel technology for breast cancer detection. Its relative low cost and the use of non-ionizing radiation makes it a prospective complimentary imaging modality. Recent clinical trials have proven the capability of this technology to detect small lesions, however, additional work is required to optimize several parameters of this technology to increase its use in routine clinical imaging procedures. In this study, the effect of the skin thickness in microwave radar images is evaluated using experimental datasets recorded from realistic breast phantoms. Preliminary results suggest that tumors responses can be resolved in scenarios where the skin layer is as thick as 2mm.