Desenvolvimento e aprimoramento de Phantoms antropomórficos mamográficos

Abstract

Considering the high cost, limited accessibility, and low reproducibility of commercially available mammographic phantoms, several studies have proposed alternative models using more accessible materials, such as the Maria Phantom. This model was originally designed to simulate different breast densities using layers of gel paraffin and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) films arranged randomly. However, the plates deformed over time and varied in size, resulting in irregular edges during image acquisition. To address these limitations, this study aimed to improve the Maria Phantom by reducing layer deformation using beeswax, standardizing plate geometry, and minimizing irregularities using 3D-printed molds. The new model was named “BeeMamma” Phantom. Gel paraffin and beeswax were tested as adipose-equivalent materials, with beeswax demonstrating greater durability, ease of handling, and radiological behavior like adipose tissue and gel paraffin. Plates representing different breast densities were fabricated by varying PVC film quantities, and additional plates containing simulated microcalcifications and 3D-printed nodules were incorporated. BeeMamma Phantom images were acquired on different mammography systems and analyzed using texture descriptors, including the 14 Haralick features, Skewness, and Kurtosis. Initial analyses showed that Beeswax presents radiographic characteristics comparable to adipose tissue and offers improved structural stability during manufacturing and storage. Attribute analysis indicated that BeeMamma Phantom reproduces breast tissues of varying densities effectively, preserving the textural characteristics observed in the Maria Phantom while overcoming limitations related to shape irregularities, deformation and handling difficulties. Furthermore, BeeMamma Phantom exhibited texture patterns like those of real mammographic images, supporting its suitability for testing new image-processing techniques and validating CAD and CADx schemes.