Thermal infrared imaging in early breast cancer detection-a survey of recent research

Although the application of Thermal Infrared (TIR) imaging in breast cancer study starts as early as 1961, it has not been widely recognized due to the premature use of the technology, the superficial understanding of the infrared (IR) images, and its poorly controlled introduction into breast cancer detection in the 70s. Recent advances in infrared technology, image processing ability and pathophysiological-based understanding of IR. images have spurred renewed interest in the use of infrared breast imaging [12], [13]. This paper aims to provide a survey of recent research achievements from these three aspects.