Fabrication of a realistic breast phantom based on 3D printing technology for thermoacoustic imaging application in breast cancer detection

As a hybrid mechanism integrating the advantages of microwave imaging and ultrasound imaging, such as non-ionizing radiation, high dielectric contrast and excellent spatial resolution, microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) holds promise for breast cancer detection (R. A. Kruger et al, Radiology, 216, 279–283, 2000).