Investigation of Breast Cancer in Fabricated Breast Phantom Using Patch Antenna

Abstract

This study introduces a method for breast cancer detection using a microstrip patch antenna designed to exploit dielectric property contrasts between healthy and malignant tissues. Three-layered breast phantoms, mimicking human breast tissue, were developed and tested using the antenna for cancer detection. Utilizing a 28.8 x 28.8 mm(2) patch antenna on an FR4 structure, the study examines tumor impact through return loss values. Initial simulations on a multilayer breast phantom model, created with CST Microwave Studio, were conducted for tumor identification. Subsequently, realistic breast phantoms comprising skin, fat, and glandular tissues were fabricated to validate the antenna's performance. Return loss measurements on fabricated phantoms, conducted with a NanoVNA-F Network Analyzer, closely matched simulated results. The study proposes a promising method for breast cancer detection through valuable insights provided to researchers via the testing of the proposed antenna and realistic breast phantoms.