Using Finite Difference Time Domain for Cancer Detection: A Se-lective Review

Dielectric contrast between normal and cancer tissues can be used for detection of cancer in early stage. Microwave Imaging is a technique which exploits this concept for cancer detection. The technique requires the development of precise simulation model showing scattering of microwave signals within the cancer tissues. The Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is generally used as numerical modeling technique applied to model the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in biological tissues. However, it is crucial that an FDTD model so developed must precisely symbolize the dielectric properties of the constitutional tissues and the highly correlated distribution of these tissues within the cancer surroundings. Historical studies which examined the dielectric properties of the cancer tissues conclude that the cancer tissue is first placed in dielectrically homogeneous extension of normal tissues and attenuation features of the two, produce additional wave reflections from the cancer tissues. This paper presents a selective survey of microwave techniques which are being used for the diagnosis of cancer tissues and how FDTD has been used by researchers to model such systems. Furthermore, existing FDTD models of the cancer tissues are examined and compared.