Interpreter for breast thermogram characterization

Breast thermography is a painless, non-invasive and non-ionizing medical imaging technique useful for early breast screening. Study shows that abnormal breast thermal image initiates the requirement for detailed diagnosis to probe the presence of cancerous cells. Hence identification of the subject's breast thermal image as normal or a case for follow-up is a necessity for diagnosis. Breast thermal image is a visual representation of breast skin surface temperature. Direct visual interpretation of breast thermal image to conclude whether it is normal or a case for follow-up (abnormal) is tedious. In this work we propose a interpretation system for characterization of breast thermal image as normal or a case for follow-up. Our proposed system is represented as ITBIC interpreter. Breast thermal images obtained from 50 female volunteers were characterized using ITBIC interpreter, results are matching to clinical findings. With graphical user interface, ITBIC interpreter will be a useful tool for initial and mass screening of subjects. © 2010 IEEE.