Analyzing Temperature Distributions and Gradient Behaviors for Early-Stage Tumor Lesions in 3D Computational Model of Breast

Abstract

The computational modelling and analysis of internal and external temperature distributions and their gradients, associated with the first stage of mammary tumors, was performed to relate thermal parameters to relevant tumor characteristics. A realistic 3D geometric model of breast anatomy was used to simulate tumor cases that were characterized in real life at their primary clinical stage. The thermophysical parameters of three tumors were extracted to implement the models; a fourth case without a tumor was used as a reference to provide quantitative measurements of temperature increases and gradient changes. The analysis considered superficial and internal temperature distributions and gradients, computed throughout specific paths. Finally, an evaluation was made of the ability of the thermometric technologies available today to detect the changes estimated in simulations. Maximum temperature increments in the range of 2.30 to 3.20 °C and in the range of 0.15 to 0.30 °C were found on internal and superficial paths, respectively. Internal gradient peak magnitudes fluctuated within the range of 0.34 to 1.14 °C/mm. Thermal results indicated a direct correlation between tumor size and temperature rise. Nevertheless, gradient results showed that the heat generation rate, an indicator of tumor malignancy, was directly proportional to internal gradient maximum peaks, which were related to tumor boundaries regardless of tumor size.

Keywords

• temperature distribution
• thermal gradient
• breast tumor
• finite element method
• early stage
• 3D modelling