Abstract

We present an instrument for frequency-domain light mammography (LIMA) which is currently undergoing a clinical test. This instrument uses two laser diodes (690 and 825 nm) which are intensity modulated at a frequency of 110 MHz. The optical signal is detected in a transmission geometry with the breast slightly compressed between two glass plates. Edge effects are corrected by an algorithm of data analysis which enhances the contrast of the optical mammograms. We report the initial results obtained with the LIMA system in the detection of malignant tumors in 69 patients. Out of 37 malignant tumors, 27 tumors (73%) were successfully detected, which shows the feasibility' and the significant potential of the method. The analysis of the 10 cases (27%) in which the tumors were not detected by LIMA provides us with a valuable input for further improvement of the current system.

© 1996 Optical Society of America