Photoacoustic Imaging of the Breast Using the Twente Photoacoustic Mammoscope: Present Status and Future Perspectives

The Twente photoacoustic mammoscope (PAM) uses pulsed light at 1064 nm to excite PA signals. Detection is using a planar 590-element ultrasound (US) sensor matrix. Image reconstruction uses a delay-and-sum beamforming algorithm. Measurements are performed in the forward mode, with mild compression of the breast against the detector with US coupling gel. We consolidate the most important specifications of the system. Furthermore, we discuss in detail the results of imaging two cases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma and one case of a cyst. We critically discuss the features of the present embodiment and present plans for its improvement.