Initial study with microwave imaging of the axilla to aid breast cancer diagnosis

Microwave Imaging (MWI) is one of the most promising imaging modalities for breast cancer early screening and monitoring. An important issue that is not commonly addressed in breast microwave imaging literature is the importance of imaging the underarm region - where up to 80% of breast cancer cells can metastasise to [Cameron et al, ANTEM, 1-3, 2010; Patani, Journal of Cancer Surgery, 33, 409-419, 2007]. When performing mastectomies to remove breast cancer, the axillary lymph nodes are often removed and their histopathological analysis is performed. Thus, the evaluation of whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast is crucial to decide what follow-up exams and therapy to follow. The first nodes to receive drainage from the primary tumour in the breast are called Sentinel Node. If cancer cells are found in the Sentinel Node, there is an increased risk of metastatic breast cancer and an axillary dissection should be performed. However, the non-invasive detection of cancer cells in the Sentinel Node is often inconclusive. Because of that, often too many lymph nodes are surgically removed in a time-consuming process which is associated with a long patients´ recovery, pain, risk of infection and lymphedema [Komen, Facts for Life: Axillary Lymph Node, 2009]. Therefore, non-invasive alternatives for the use in axillary staging should be considered in order to reduce the incidence of these adverse events.