Use of impedance techniques in breast-mass detection

Abstract

A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in the breast and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in a breast. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality, at least to the quadrant. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This patent application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application, 61 / 238,949, filed Sep. 1, 2009.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE [0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. REFERENCES [0003] [1] Ruigang Liu, Xiuzhen Dong, Feng Fu, Fusheng You, Xuetao Shi, Zhenyu Ji, Kan Wang, Multi-frequency parameter mapping of electrical impedance scanning using two kinds of circuit model. Physiological Measurement July 2007 Volume: 28 Start Page: S85. [0004] [2] Tyna A Hope I and Siân E Iles2, The use of electrical impedance scanning in the detection of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2004; 6(2): 69-74. [0005] [3] J. Jossinet and B. Lavandier, The discrimination of excised cancerous breast tissue samples u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a method for examining breasts using an electrical impedance scanning method. This method has been previously described in many publications. The invention improves the method by quickly scanning through multiple frequencies using a complex waveform containing even and odd harmonics across several decades of frequencies. The method can be used for detecting breast cancer, monitoring changes in breast masses over time, and assessing the effectiveness of treatment to eradicate breast cancer. The invention offers a low-cost diagnostic test and tracking vehicle that avoids the use of radiation which can generate cancers."

Problems solved by technology

Below age 40 the density of the breast tissue is so high that it difficult to impossible to differentiate from a tumor.

The same is not quite as true for women in the age group of 40 to 50 but the problem with mammographic differentiation between normal breast tissue and cancer remains.

One consideration in mammography is that the results are not necessarily stable; some 30% of “cancer” detected on mammography disappears.

Another factor is the detection of breast cancer and other abnormalities is the cost of doing procedures.

Images