Breast cancer diagnostic system using small angle X-ray scattering

Current breast imaging methods, such as mammography or ultrasounds, sometimes yield inconclusive results and require a biopsy to confirm the absence of pathology. This leads to a large number of biopsies, which are invasive, stressful and time-consuming. To address this problem, new diagnostic methods, including coherent X-ray scattering, are explored. Coherent X-ray scattering is a promising method for improving diagnosis, as it yields information about the molecular structure of the breast tissues.This thesis explores the use of coherent X ray scattering to refine in vivo breast tissue characterization, as a supplementary technique, in addition to suspicious mammography. An experimental set-up for coherent X ray scattering spectra acquisition and an associated data processing methods, including classification, are proposed. The delivered dose is also studied in view of an in vivo application. The complete method is experimentally validated on plastic and biological phantoms. Obtained results are very encouraging, however improvement is still needed in order to meet clinical requirements. A few ways of improvements are suggested for the continuation of this project. (author)