volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

Early detection is critical for effective skin cancer treatment. Micro-/millimeter-wave spectroscopy has emerged as a promising non-invasive and cost-effective detection technique. Tissue models are essential in early numerical studies, which typically represent the first step in detector's feasibility assessment. This paper focuses on quantifying implications of numerical model complexity on computational studies of skin spectroscopy. In our comparative numerical studies, we constructed one finger model that follows anatomical structures, as well as its three simplified versions, subjected to simulated measurements with a slim dielectric probe in the 0.5-50 GHz range. Using the finite-element method (FEM) for simulation, we analyzed mesh count to estimate computational cost and return loss variation to assess model reliability. As a result, we reach recommendations for models that optimize computational resources and can yield meaningful information from the standpoint of skin cancer screening. Simplified models are adequate for lower microwave frequencies (< 10 GHz), but at higher frequencies, models with at least three tissue layers (skin, fat, and ligament) are necessary. Modeling smaller tumors requires greater tissue complexity than larger tumors to achieve comparable reliability. Additionally, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) scenarios demand higher model complexity than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma to achieve similar reliability.

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Mr. Shangyang Shang

Dr. Milica Popović