Initial results of in vivo non-invasive cancer imaging in the human breast using near-infrared photoacoustics

Srirang Manohar, Susanne E. Vaartjes, Johan C. G. van Hespen, Joost M. Klaase, Frank M. van den Engh, Wiendelt Steenbergen, Ton G. van Leeuwen
2007 Optics Express  
Near-infrared photoacoustic images of regions-of-interest in 4 of the 5 cases of patients with symptomatic breasts reveal higher intensity regions which we attribute to vascular distribution associated with cancer. Of the 2 cases presented here, one is especially significant where benign indicators dominate in conventional radiological images, while photoacoustic images reveal vascular features suggestive of malignancy, which is corroborated by histopathology. The results show that
more » ... imaging may have potential in visualizing certain breast cancers based on intrinsic optical absorption contrast. A future role for the approach could be in supplementing conventional breast imaging to assist detection and/or diagnosis.
doi:10.1364/oe.15.012277 pmid:19547596 fatcat:kdlbahku3fhctomix33btjpkde