Microwave confocal image for the localization of lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death. Once detected it is usually removed through thoracoscopic surgery. However, during the surgery, since the lung deflates a new localization of the nodule is necessary. We suggest combining microwave imaging with a laparoscopic instrument to relocate the tumor during the surgery. In this contribution, a numerical analysis was undertaken to investigate the main parameters affecting microwave imaging such as frequency band, and depth of the nodule. It was found that at 600 MHz a nodule of 1 cm in radius could be imaged up to 10 cm of depth in the lung