Analysis of transient thermal processes for improved visualization of breast cancer using IR imaging

Abstract

We discuss limitations of the known methods of IR imaging in diagnostics of breast cancer. In conclusion we show that for practical reasons one requires new approaches because the known methods based on simple observation of external temperature distribution are not fully effective. Even advanced pattern recognition could not help too much for static images. We ask the question: may active dynamic thermography, known in nondestructive testing of materials, be of any help? Analysis of thermal transients forced by external thermal excitation shows even on simple models, that one may expect visible improvement in resolution after such excitation. Applied models allow analysis of both, static as well as active thermograms. Basing on the models one may recognize elements of the internal structure of a breast not visible using static pictures. This new in clinical practice method seems to be promising, but still needs more studies.