Early Detection of Breast Cancer via Multiplane Correlation Breast Imaging
Abstract
We are developing a tomographic technique called Neutron Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography (NSECT) for early detection of breast cancer. NSECT is sensitive to metabolic changes in trace element concentrations that are seen in tumors at very early stages of development. Detecting and measuring these element concentrations has the potential to detect breast cancer early. Using neutrons as the imaging radiation leads to significant concerns about patient dose. While preliminary experiments show that it is possible to perform NSECT scans with dose similar to that of an abdominal CT scan, one of our primary goals in this project is to reduce dose further to allow NSECT to be more easily accepted as a screening tool. This project aims at evaluating the effects of NSECT dose-reduction techniques on the accuracy of cancer diagnosis. There are 4 dose reduction techniques under evaluation: reducing neutron flux; using fewer spatial projections; fewer angles; and using multiple detectors. As evaluation of each technique individually using experimental studies is not feasible, this study uses Monte-Carlo simulations as an alternative. In the first part of the study, we have designed and built a Monte Carlo simulation of the NSECT tomographic scanning system using GEANT4. We have designed the scanning system as a 3 part system consisting of: (a) a neutron beam source with user-defined neutron flux and neutron beam width, (b) a gantry with user-defined spatial and angular beam sampling rates, and (c) gamma detectors with user-defined detector material, radius, efficiency and location. We have also built GEANT4 phantoms for benign and malignant breast tissue based on element concentrations reported in various experimental studies. Finally, we have integrated the phantoms and tomographic system to simulate a complete NSECT scan of the human breast.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471013
Entities
People
- Anuj J. Kapadia
Organizations
- Duke University