Multi-Modal Finite Element Modelling for Enhanced Breast Cancer Detection using Electrical Impedance Tomography and Ultrasound Tomography

Breast cancer is a vital global health concern, necessitating the development of advanced imaging methodologies for early and accurate detection. Although several standard approaches are available, due to their low sensitivity, inability to recognize cancer in denser breasts, radiation exposure, and high cost, they paved way for future research. This paper introduces a novel approach by utilising the dual modality for breast cancer detection by integrating the Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) and Ultrasound Tomography (UT) methods. A simulation-based study using Finite Element Modelling (FEM) is used to solve the forward problem of both modalities using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Here, 16 Ag/Agcl electrodes and 16 ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers were positioned alternately in a 2D circular breast model. Patient-specific FEM meshes enhance the accuracy of EIT and ultrasound imaging. The fusion of these modalities offers a promising avenue for early and precise breast cancer detection, with the potential to transform diagnostics and improve patient health care.