Abstract

Laser opto-acoustic tomography based on time-resolved detection of laser-induced stress transients is tested in vitro (gel phantoms) and in vivo (mouse model of breast cancer) as a method for diagnostic screening of breast tumors. A small gel sphere with diameter of 2.5 mm and optical properties that resemble that of carcinoma was detected at a depth of 25 mm in a gel phantom with optical properties that simulate normal breast tissue. Substantially stronger signals were observed in tumors of two mice. The laser-induced stress profiles qualitatively different from profiles in normal mammary glands were observed. Combination of the two results encourages our group to plan first clinical trials on laser opto-acoustic mammography.

© 1996 Optical Society of America