Non-invasive Diagnostic Breast Imaging using a Hand-held Optical Imager

Hand-held based optical imaging devices are currently developed as a noninvasive method for breast cancer diagnosis. However, the devices developed to date have not performed 3D tomography since they are unable to perform coregistration. In our Optical Imaging Laboratory we have developed a hand-held optical imager with automated coregistration facilities to enable 3D tomography of breast cancer. Herein, coregistered imaging and 3D tomography are demonstrated in vitro, and preliminary in vivo studies are performed to demonstrate 2D surface mapping and coregistered imaging in breast tissue of normal human subjects. The results demonstrate potential toward clinical translation of a portable and patient-comfortable method for breast cancer diagnosis.