Authors:
H. Lopes
1
;
2
;
P. M. Mendes
1
;
2
and
H. Dinis
1
;
2
Affiliations:
1
Center for MicroElectromechanical Systems (CMEMS-Uminho), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
;
2
LABBELS–Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Brain Cancer, Brain Tumor Detection, Microwave Imaging, mmWave, Dielectric Properties, Real-Time Surgical Assistance.
Abstract:
Brain cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer due to limited treatment options and challenges in tumor differentiation during surgery. Current surgical assistance tools, such as intraoperative imaging systems and advanced visualization techniques, often face limitations in cost, accessibility, and precision. Microwave and millimeter-wave (mmWave) technologies have emerged as promising alternatives for real-time, non-invasive differentiation of healthy and cancerous brain tissues, leveraging their sensitivity to dielectric property variations. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art microwave and mmWave systems developed for medical diagnostics, focusing on brain tumor detection. It highlights their underlying principles, performance, and limitations while discussing their potential to address the drawbacks of existing tools. By analyzing recent advancements, the review identifies key areas for future development, proposing characteristics of an ideal system to support real-tim
e surgical decision-making. Additionally, the paper proposes a system designed to measure the dielectric properties of the brain tissue, aiming to enhance real-time surgical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
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