Detailed evaluation of artifact removal algorithms for radar-based microwave imaging of the breast

One of the most important components of radar-based microwave imaging systems for breast cancer detection is the early-stage artifact removal algorithm. The early-stage artifact is composed of the input signal, the reflection from the skin-fat interface and any antenna reverberation present. This artifact is typically several orders of magnitude greater than the reflections from any tumours present within the breast. If the early-stage artifact is not removed and the tumour response effectively preserved, the artifact could potentially mask energy reflected from shallow tumours located close to the surface of the skin, and also hinder the identification of tumours located deeper within the breast.