An Efficient Image Reconstruction Method for Breast Cancer Detection Using an Ultra-Wideband Microwave Imaging System

Microwave breast imaging uses backscattered radar signals to identify cancerous tissue within the breast. It is a non-invasive technique and uses non-ionizing radiation; it is currently a potential alternative for classical techniques. This article presents an efficient image reconstruction method for breast cancer detection using an ultra-wideband microwave imaging system. This method consists of applying the improved version of the delay-and-sum algorithm and post-processing the resultant images. For that, we have used a numerical 3D breast phantom in CST software simulation tool (CST Inc., 2014). The breast was illuminated with ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse from a number of antenna locations, and then collected reflections were synthetically focused to create an energy map of the breast. A new algorithm is also introduced that post-processes the resulting images obtained through different configurations of acquisition point positions. This post-process allows a much clearer image to be obtained with less interference. In the constructed and post-processed image, the presence and location of single and double breast cancer tumors of 2 mm in diameter can clearly be identified.