Advanced Ultrasound Signal Processing of Suspicious Breast Images

Advanced Ultrasound Beamforming Methods for Breast Imaging

This study aims to investigate recent developments in ultrasound signal processing to determine if these new techniques can enhance the visibility of important features of interest in breast ultrasound images. Ultrasound signals obtained from both standard ultrasound imaging and ultrasound imaging combined with light (also known as photoacoustic imaging) will be investigated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female adults (age >18 years) with at least one of the following:
• Macrocalcification(s) detected in x-ray 2D or 3D mammography images
• Macrocalcification(s) located next to cyst (or other identifiable landmark on an ultrasound image)
• A cyst, mass, or finding detected in diagnostic/screening ultrasound or mammography

Exclusion Criteria:

(when performing ultrasound imaging only)

• Children (age < 18 years) are excluded

(when performing ultrasound imaging with light, i.e., optoacoustic imaging)

• Children (age < 18 years) are excluded
• Is pregnant
• Has open sores including insect bites, rash, poison ivy, and chafing on the skin of the ipsilateral breast
• Is experiencing phototoxicity associated with currently taking, or having taken, photosensitizing agents within the previous 72 hours such as sulfonamides, ampicillin, tetracycline
• Is currently undergoing phototherapy
• Has a history of any photosensitive disease (e.g., porphyria, lupus erythematosus) or is undergoing treatment for a photosensitive disease and is experiencing photosensitivity