Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, and early detection and treatment are critical for improving clinical outcomes. X-ray mammography remains the standard screening modality; however, it has several limitations, including radiation exposure, patient discomfort, and reduced sensitivity in women with dense breast tissue. Microwave imaging, a non-ionizing technique, has emerged as a promising alternative. We have developed a device that reconstructs breast tissue structures by solving the inverse scattering problem and is currently undergoing clinical trials. This system generates three-dimensional tomographic images without the use of contrast agents and without causing pain during examination. To date, 24 breast cancer patients have been imaged, with an accuracy of 86% for tumors ≥ 1 cm in diameter, and 58% when tumors < 1 cm are included. In this article, we present a detailed protocol for device preparation, clinical imaging, and data processing, along with representative imaging results from selected patients.