Method and apparatus for categorizing breast density and assessing cancer risk utilizing acoustic parameters

摘要

A method for categorizing whole-breast density is disclosed. The method includes the steps of exposing breast tissue to an acoustic signal; measuring a distribution of an acoustic parameter by analyzing the acoustic signal; and obtaining a measure of whole-breast density from said measuring step. An apparatus is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
transmitting an acoustic signal through a breast tissue volume; measuring, throughout the breast tissue volume, a distribution of one or more acoustic parameters comprising sound speed based upon an analysis of the acoustic signal transmitted through the breast tissue volume; obtaining an average whole breast sound speed velocity based upon at least a measured distribution of sound speed; and quantifying present or future cancer risk based upon a comparison between the average whole breast sound speed velocity and one or more of the following BI-RADS breast density measures:
a fatty BI-RADS: 1 categorization if the average whole breast sound speed velocity is substantially between 1400-1415 m/s;a scattered BI-RADS: 2 categorization if the average whole breast sound speed velocity is substantially between 1405-1420 m/s;a heterogeneous BI-RADS: 3 categorization if the average whole breast sound speed velocity is substantially between 1420-1465 m/s; anda dense BI-RADS: 4 categorization if the average whole breast sound speed velocity is substantially between 1460-1575 m/s.