Modeling of Electrical Impedance Tomography for Carcinoma Detection

Imaging equipment such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radiography are among the most widespread techniques, providing high resolution data, even though they expose to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and ionizing radiation. An alternative technique, less influenced by EMF, is the Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) that provides an image of the body conductivity analyzed by measuring superficial skin currents. This technique allows functional monitoring of anatomical districts using low electromagnetic fields and short exposure times. In this work EIT has been investigated for morphological/functional assessment tissues. Finite Element Method (FEM) was used for 2D modeling and simulation of both physiological and pathological tissues, capable of simulating EIT functioning. The aim of the work is to detect the presence of carcinoma through the analysis of the electrical impedance response to an externally generated excitation. 8-electrodes tomograph and epithelial tissue was implemented. Optimal value of the excitation current to be delivered according to the type of tissue to be analyzed. Simulations were carried out considering the electrical impedance variations on the tissue modeled as homogeneous medium and the carcinoma with a regular geometry.