Potential of Infrared Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection: A Critical Evaluation

Abstract

Screening for breast cancer to detect the disease in an early curable stage remains our most important tool to reduce breast cancer mortality, and routine screening mammography is recommended. Although the technique has been refined, screening mammography has significant shortfalls. A major drawback is related to the occurrence of “dense breast tissue” that obscures mammography images leading to missed cancer diagnoses. Adjunctive imaging technology has been used in this setting, and potential of infrared imaging (IRI) is evaluated to fulfill this role. This review provides a critical evaluation of IRI protocols and assessment techniques employed by previous researchers since the inception of this technology in 1956. The prevalence of empirical approach is identified as a major area of concern and recent scientific approaches utilizing mathematical modeling and analysis with patient-specific geometries are strongly advised. Such efforts and subsequent validation are essential before the IRI can be widely used in the mainstream breast cancer screening as an adjunctive tool.