Percy Segura, Utah Valley University
Health
High frequency (HF) ultrasound has been investigated for the detection of breast cancer in surgical samples, and has shown correlations to histology including precursors to cancer development. It is hypothesized that the sensitivity of HF ultrasound to breast cancer is due to changes in the microscopic structure of the tissue. With this approach, better diagnosis of breast cancer can be achieved for purposes such as the assessment of surgical margins in lumpectomy procedures. The microscopic structure of the tissue affects HF waves as they pass through the tissue. These structures can therefore be recorded and distinguished by the HF ultrasound. HF ultrasound will show differentiation between healthy tissue, benign pathologies such as hyperplasia, and advanced cancerous formation. With continuing development, variables are being studied which may skew or produce artifacts in the HF ultrasound results.
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of surface roughness and air bubbles on the ultrasound results. Since the testing is done with tissue inside a plastic bag, small bubbles or pockets of air may form between the bag and tissue directly beneath the transducer. These bubbles have been known to interfere with testing results. By gathering data on this variable we can further understand its impact on the HF ultrasonic testing of specific tissue such as lung, spleen, bladder, or tongue. We have also created artificial phantom samples to mimic tissue with irregular surfaces and air bubbles. This research will provide valuable information regarding the accuracy of the HF method with these underlying variables.