Highly Accurate Debye Models for Normal and Malignant Breast Tissue Dielectric Properties at Microwave Frequencies

Abstract

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is widely used as a computational tool for development, validation, and optimization of emerging microwave breast cancer detection and treatment techniques. When expressed in terms of Debye parameters, dispersive breast tissue dielectric properties can be efficiently incorporated into FDTD codes. Previously, we experimentally characterized the dielectric properties of a large number of excised normal and malignant breast tissue samples from 0.5 to 20 GHz. We subdivided the large database of normal tissue data into three groups based on the percent adipose tissue present in a particular sample. In addition, we formed a group of all cancer samples that contained at least 30% malignant tissue. We summarized the data using one-pole Cole-Cole models that were rigorously fit to the median dielectric properties of the three normal tissue groups and one malignant tissue group. In this letter, we present computationally simpler one-and two-pole Debye models that retain the high accuracy of the Cole-Cole models. Model parameters are derived for two sets of frequency ranges: the entire measurement frequency range from 0.5 to 20 GHz, and the 3.1-10.6 GHz FCC band allocated for ultrawideband medical applications. The proposed Debye models provide a means for creating computationally efficient FDTD breast models with realistic wideband dielectric properties derived from the largest and most comprehensive experimental study conducted to date on human breast tissue.Index Terms-Breast cancer detection and treatment, Cole-Cole model, Debye model, dielectric properties, finite-difference timedomain (FDTD).

Antenna Calibration Method for Dielectric Property Estimation of Biological Tissues at Microwave Frequencies

“…To evaluate the performance of the calibration method with expected biological tissue properties, three mixtures described in [26] with similar properties to the healthy breast tissue groups defined in [27] are prepared using the surfactant Triton X-100, deionized water, and salt. Note that these are homogeneous mixtures used to validate the calibration technique.…”

“…Single-pole Debye parameters are fit to the probe estimations using the criterion in [27], such that the properties can be modeled in simulation. The Debye parameters are given in Table 2.…”

A Preprocessing Filter for Multistatic Microwave Breast Imaging for Enhanced Tumour Detection

“…The antennas are immersed in a liquid matching the average dielectric properties of adipose as given in Table 1. The dielectric properties of skin, adipose, and fibro-glandular tissue used in the FDTD models are based on Lazebnik's studies [21], and incorporated using Debye models, with the parameters being derived empirically. The Debye parameters for each tissue type, along with the permittivity and conductivity at the center frequency, are given in Table 1.…”

Breast Cancer Detection Based on Differential Ultrawideband Microwave Radar

“…The dispersive properties of breast tissue are incorporated into the FDTD model using a single-pole Debye model [21]. The dielectric properties of adipose and fibroglandular tissue are based on the results presented by Zastrow et al [19].…”