Optical Mapping of the Human Breast using Second Derivative Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (650-1100 nm) has been applicated for monitoring of brain and muscle oxygenation. Although optical breast imaging instrumentation, using one to four wavelengths in the NIR range, has been developed, very few in vivo breast spectral data are available. This study reports the optical map of breasts and an accurate characterization of spectroscopic fatures by derivative and difference spectroscopy. The bands due to water, lipids and deoxy-hemoglobin have been precisely identified. Results indicate that there is a large variability of breast composition at different locations in the same subject as well as amongst subjects.