Microwave reflectometry: A novel diagnostic method for detection of skin cancer

Author

Pratik Mehta

Abstract

"Skin cancer affected more than 1 million people in the United States in 2003. While it can be deadly, it is treatable if diagnosed in the early stages. Non-invasive methods that allow early detection can significantly improve the quality and lifespan of skin cancer patients. One possible method is using microwave techniques.

The major characteristics that may cause differences in microwave measurements between normal and cancerous tissue are the water content, Na+ ion concentration, and protein content. At microwave frequencies, the dielectric properties of tissue can be correlated to these characteristics.

Microwave reflection coefficients measured from skin are affected by the applied pressure of the probe, power level, probe size and the dielectric properties of the skin. These factors were investigated to show that measurements can be best performed at a power level of -30 dBm using a probe size with outer conductor of diameter 3.62 mm and inner conductor of diameter 1.08 mm. Variation in pressure was not found to be important.

Microwave models of malignant and benign lesions were created using dielectric mixing models to estimate their dielectric properties. The best estimates were found using a two-layer model with one layer of skin or lesion and a second layer of fat. Malignant lesions were simulated using a mixing model consisting of skin and water. Benign lesions were simulated using a mixing model consisting of skin and fat. Simulations using these mixing models suggest that microwave measurements could be very useful in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.

Preliminary microwave measurements were made on humans with benign and malignant lesions. Multiple measurements need to be made on the lesion, adjacent to the lesion and far from the lesion so that a comparison between measurements on normal skin and suspected lesion can be made. Measurements support the hypothesis that microwave data might be used to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions"--Abstract, pages iii-iv.

Advisor(s)

Beetner, Daryl G.

Committee Member(s)

Zoughi, R.
Moss, Randy Hays, 1953-

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Summer 2004

Pagination

xiii, 103 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 96-102).

Rights

© 2004 Pratik S. Mehta, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Skin -- Cancer -- Diagnosis
Reflectometer
Dielectric measurements -- Research
Microwaves

Thesis Number

T 8612

Print OCLC #

58479392

Electronic OCLC #

1111632947

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Mehta, Pratik, "Microwave reflectometry: A novel diagnostic method for detection of skin cancer" (2004). Masters Theses. 2654.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/2654