A Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Detection System Using FBG Thermal Sensor Array: A Feasibility Study

Breast cancer is one of the most challenging health problems in women worldwide. Early detection and regular breast cancer screening can considerably improve the survival rate. Many advanced imaging technologies are currently being used in the detection of breast malignancy. However, these methods are costly, uncomfortable, and time-consuming. Therefore, in this work, a simple and noninvasive thermographic technique, based on a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) thermal sensor array, has been developed to detect breast cancer. Breast tissue is simulated using agar gel phantom, and the heaters are embedded inside the phantom in different locations to mimic the tumors. FBG thermal sensor array is employed to acquire the surface temperature distribution of the simulated breast phantom. Also, modeling of the tissue-mimicking phantom and tumor in COMSOL Multiphysics software is carried out to provide a detailed 3D thermal view of the proposed prototype. Both experimental and simulated results are found to be in agreement and display the same trend as expected. Experimental results show that a temperature variation of ≥0.3°C is detected at the location of the tumor’s presence, which can be easily picked up by FBG interrogators which have sensitivity of ~1 pm, indicating the efficacy of the proposed sensing prototype as a potential screening tool for the diagnosis of breast cancer.