A New Perspective for Early Detection of Bone Tumour: Metamaterial-Based Antenna Solution

Bone tumours are a complex group of pathological conditions that can occur in any region of the bones and are classified as benign or malignant. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy and is divided into three subdivisions: osteoblastic, chondroblastic and fibroblastic. Osteosarcoma is usually seen at an early age, while another type is more common in the elderly. Imaging techniques are of great importance in the diagnosis and treatment of bone tumours. Techniques such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and positron emission tomography are among the methods used in the detection of bone tumours. In recent years, microwave and antenna-based technologies have been reported to play a potential role in the imaging of bone tumours. Microwave-based antennas can perform non-invasive imaging using the interaction of electromagnetic waves on cancer cells. In this study, we designed a non-invasive mathematically supported antenna and tested this antenna on a clinically suitable tibia bone and tumour phantom. The results proved that bone tumour can be detected non-invasively with microwave antennas.