Fig. 1.

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 Antennas To Detect Cancer and Tumors
Jade El Masri Mohammed Haidar
ECE Department ECE Department
AUB AUB
[email protected] [email protected]

Abstract—This paper explores the use of microstrip antennas II. L ITERATURE R EVIEW
in breast cancer detection with emphasis on their potential to
improve sensitivity and specificity. The literature review explains
As mentioned before, existing methods of cancer detection
microstrip fundamentals, compares existing imaging techniques, have a number of disadvantages, namely cost, comfort, and
and assesses previous microstrip antenna applications. The theory accuracy. Microwave imagery is an emerging and promising
investigates electromagnetic principles which are followed by the alternative method of breast cancer detection since it is low-
design phase. A microstrip antenna is simulated on a breast cost, more comfortable and pain-free compared to mammo-
model in order to gauge its efficacy in tumor detection using
CST Studio Suite. The results show that microstrip antennas
grams, and more accurate in the distinction between malignant
are a viable imaging method in the detection of breast cancer and benign tumors than ultrasounds. After researching and
underlined by their theoretical practicality and simulation results. surveying different types of antennas, it was apparent that
microstrip antennas are one of the most suitable options. This
I. I NTRODUCTION is due to their relatively small size, wide-band behavior, and
improves radiation patterns as mentioned in [1].
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer
is an extensive category of illnesses characterized by the A. Basics of Microstrip Antennas
uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, originating in various A microstrip antenna is a type of radio-frequency antenna
organs or tissues of the body. These abnormal cells can exceed known for its compact design and flexible applications, in-
their normal amount, affecting other areas and a phenomenon cluding the biomedical field. Fundamentally, it consists of a
known as metastasis. In essence, cancer is synonymous with thin conducting strip positioned on a dielectric substrate, often
terms like neoplasm and malignant tumor. One of the most supported by a ground plane beneath the substrate. This direct
common types of cancer is Breast Cancer, accounting for design allows for ease of manufacturing using printed circuit
50% of the cancer diagnosis in women. Approaches like board technology. The key advantages lie in the antenna’s low
mammograms and MRIs could be utilized to detect malignant profile, making it suitable for applications where space con-
tumors and cancer, however, these methods have proven to straints or aesthetics and comfort are important considerations.
be limited in some cases in regard to their potential side In cancer detection this is especially important since it allows
effects and high costs. To address the limitations of these for non-invasive detection techniques and integration into
approaches, a wireless monitoring system is implemented to other devices. Furthermore, attributed to their straightforward
enhance efficiency and provide real-time data acquisition [3]. design, microstrip antennas are inexpensive to manufacture,
An antenna is a significant element in this approach. In this which increases their attraction in the advancement of cutting-
research paper, a microstrip patch antenna will be designed to edge medical devices like those aimed at detecting breast
detect breast cancer and tumors. cancer. Microstrip antennas’ low-profile design, versatility, and
ease of manufacture make them an invaluable tool in the search
for novel, non-invasive biomedical solutions.
There are certain electromagnetic properties to be consid-
ered when dealing with microstrip antennas. These include
the dielectric constant of the substrate material, antenna di-
mensions, feed mechanism, radiation pattern, voltage standing
wave ratio, directivity, and bandwidth [1][4]. These properties
are essential in evaluating the performance of the antenna in
tumor detection.
B. Existing and New Technologies
There are several existing imaging techniques in practice
for breast tumor detection, these include mammograms, ul-
Fig. 2. Microstrip Patch Antenna[8] trasounds, MRIs, and others. Beginning with mammograms,
they are one of the most common methods due to their wide
availability and fast results. However, they face drawbacks B. User-friendly
due to cumulative ionizing radiation on the patient, reduction In the effective operation of an antenna, a design that is
in accuracy when encountering younger women with denser user-friendly is essential. This involves considerations like
breast tissue, and the comfort of the process. MRIs tend to be the simplicity of setup, calibration, and operation. Particularly
more accurate because of their high sensitivity and detailed in medical applications, interfaces that are user-friendly and
imaging but are very costly and can be complex to interpret procedures that are straightforward enhance the efficiency of
[6]. Ultrasounds seems promising since they are non-invasive examinations, ensuring that the technology is embraced and
and avoid ionizing radiation but are limited in imaging deeper effectively utilized in clinical settings.
tissues and are lower resolution compared to mammograms
and MRIs [7]. C. Specific Absorption Rate(SAR)
Microwave imagery on the other hand can tackle all the When designing antennas, particularly for medical applica-
drawbacks of existing techniques. It is non-ionizing compared tions involving interaction with the human body, it is crucial to
to x-ray mammography, allowing for frequent use [3]. It is consider the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). SAR quantifies
capable of producing high resolution three-dimensional images the rate at which biological tissues absorb electromagnetic
that are both effective on dense tissue and allow for better energy. It is imperative to ensure that SAR levels remain
distinction between malignant and normal tissue that ultra- within safe limits to uphold patient safety and comply with
sound can struggle with [1][4]. Overall, it is a non-invasive, regulatory standards. Monitoring this parameter is vital to
accurate, and high-sensitivity approach to tumor detection all prevent the occurrence of excessive tissue heating during
while being low-cost and portable [2][4]. antenna operation.
IV. T HEORY
C. Review of Previous Microstrip Applications The resonant frequency (fr ) of a rectangular microstrip
After analyzing previous attempts at developing microstrip patch antenna is calculated using the following formulas[4]:
designs, evidence of their efficacy was realized. In [2], it was 1
found that the microstrip designs displayed improved perfor- fr = √ q µ0 (1) (1)
mance in return loss, gain, radiation pattern, axial ratio, and 2L εr ε0
voltage standing wave ratio. [4] additionally showed that the where ε0 is the relative permittivity of air, L is the length
microstrip patch antenna proved better in tumor detection than of the patch, µ0 is the permeability, and εr is the relative
existing methods due to its impedance matching, bandwidth, permittivity.
and resonance frequency. Equation (1) can be simplified as:

D. Challenges and Opportunities v0

fr = √ (2)
2L εr
Despite the plethora of benefits, microstrip antennas can
where v0 is the velocity of air.
face potential drawbacks. [1] indicated that it may be hard
The formulas for calculating the length (L) and width (w)
to achieve miniaturization while also maintaining operational
are:
frequency. It was highlighted in [2] that the wearability of the
antenna heavily depends on the substrate material. In addition, λ
L= (3) (3)
[3] noted the need to comply with standards surrounding 2
specific absorption rate and again mentioning the need to v
maintain stable characteristics at a small size. w= √ 0 (4) (4)
2fr 2εr + 1
III. P RINCIPLES OF A SUCCESSFUL ANTENNA DESIGN Formulas for calculating the effective length (Leff ) and
height (h) of the substrate are:
For successful operation, an antenna should be
1) Light Weight[4] Leff = L + 2∆L (5) (5)
2) User-friendly[4]
(εeff + 0.3) w


3) Meet the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) standards h + 0.264

h = 0.412 ∆L (5) (6)
The different methods and physical principles governing each (εeff + 0.258) wh + 0.8
of these processes are explained. The formula for calculating effective permittivity (εeff ) is:

− 12
A. Light Weight
    
εr + 1 εr − 1 12h
εeff = + X 1+ (6) (7)
In medical applications, a lightweight antenna is usually 2 2 w
utilized due to practical considerations. Its advantages include These formulas are utilized for the comprehensive design
enhanced ease of manipulation, high motility, and greater and analysis of the rectangular micro strip patch antenna in
comfort for both healthcare professionals and patients. this study.
 V. B REAST M ODEL parameters specific to breast tissue. These material properties
Using a hemispherical shape, a breast is implemented along are crucial for accurately simulating the interaction between
with skin, fibroglandudar tissue, and fat as shown in figure electromagnetic waves and the diverse components of the
3. This phantom model serves as an understanding of real breast phantom.
This approach consolidates the theoretical and applied in-
formation to implement an antenna that can accurately detect
cancer or tumor. Using CST Studio Suite, a tumor was imple-

Fig. 3. Breast Phantom with 2 antennas

breast tissues, which leads to a better analysis of the way

electrical properties vary in a tumor. Following the strategic Fig. 5. Microstrip Patch Antenna
placement of the two antennas and assigning certain phan-
tom parameters, the simulation manifests the electromagnetic mented inside a phantom breast model (which was designed
wave’s behavior. As the antenna interacts with the phantom, using a spherical shape),
the effects of electrical permittivity, tangent laws, and other VIII. R ESULTS
relevant parameters on the simulation results are scrutinized,
paving the way for a deeper comprehension of the complex The magnitude of the transmission coefficient S21, which
electromagnetic characteristics exhibited by malignant breast signified the power transfer between the antennas, is observed
tissues. in detail. The analysis of this parameter serves is crucial due
to the fact that it signifies the impact of the tumor on the
VI. P ROPOSED W ORK electromagnetic wave’s behavior
The following table shows the assigned significant param- The transition observed in the S21 parameter, shifting from
eters and their properties that will be utilized for the design. a negative slope to a positive slope at the designated frequency
of 33 GHz in the presence of a tumor, can be described as
complex interaction between the electromagnetic wave and
tumor.

Fig. 4. Breast Phantom Properties

VII. R ECTANGULAR M ICRO STRIP A NTENNA D ESIGN

In the simulation setup, two antennas that shadow a sensor’s
role are positioned faving each other at a near field distance Fig. 6. [S21] Parameter behavior
from the breast phantom. This carefully chosen distance
facilitates the emulation of realistic scenarios, enabling the In the realms of microwave engineering and antenna theory,
assessment of how the antenna interacts with the diverse the utility of S-parameters, specifically the S21 parameter,
electrical properties embedded within the phantom. is paramount for characterizing the intricate behaviors of
In the simulation framework, the electromagnetic (EM) microwave devices, circuits, and antennas. This parameter
model is excited by utilizing the permittivity and tangent loss specifically delves into the transmission of power from one
port to another, with its magnitude and phase offering valuable Detection of Malignant Tumor,” 2022 4th International
insights into the efficiency of power transfer across these ports. Conference on Inventive Research in Computing Applications
Tumors display a high amount of permittivity and con- (ICIRCA), Coimbatore, India, 2022, pp. 1-8, doi:
ductivity in comparison to normal tissue, where permittivity 10.1109/ICIRCA54612.2022.9985663.
represents a material’s capacity to store electrical energy
within an electric field. [5] A. Rajput, S. Powar, P. Punekar, G. Rahate, P. Sontakke
The negative slope observed in the S21 parameter implies and S. Ayane, ”Design of Low Cost Wearable Microstrip
a visible level of attenuation or loss in the transmission of Patch Antenna for Breast Cancer Detection,” 2022 6th
electromagnetic waves through the breast tissue. This attenua- International Conference On Computing, Communication,
tion could be due to the tumor’s absorption of electromagnetic Control And Automation (ICCUBEA, Pune, India, 2022, pp.
energy, resulting in a reduction in the transmitted power. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/ICCUBEA54992.2022.10010742.
IX. C ONCLUSION
[6] P. Jaglan, R. Dass, and M. Duhan, (2019). Breast
In general, the research exemplifies the potential of mi- Cancer Detection Techniques: Issues and Challenges. Journal
crowave imaging through the use of microstrip antennas. Our of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series B. 100.
results from the CST Studio simulation prove that microwave 10.1007/s40031-019-00391-2.
imaging has the ability to be just as, if not more, effective
than existing techniques in the detection of breast cancer if [7] N. Ozmen, R. Dapp, M. Zapf, H. Gemmeke, N. V.
optimized according to the case. Ruiter and K. W. A. van Dongen, ”Comparing different
The potential of the design shown outlines the importance ultrasound imaging methods for breast cancer detection,”
of further developing and refining such research. Being able in IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and
to accurately detect tumors while mitigating the drawbacks Frequency Control, vol. 62, no. 4, pp. 637-646, April 2015,
of current techniques is imperative in the field of cancer doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2014.006707.
detection.
[8] C. A. Balanis, ”Antenna Theory Analysis and Design,”
Despite this, it is essential to acknowledge the fact that there 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley Sons, Inc., 2005.
remain many challenges in practical implementation and so
optimization efforts must be able to tailor to each specific
case given the diversity in breast and tumor models.
Overall, combining microwave imaging through microstrip
antennas gives hope for a better future in cancer diagnosis.
Further research conducted must put emphasis on design
parameters, addressing technical challenges, and conducting
numerous trials, providing a large set of evidence to validate
microstrip antenna efficacy.
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