An in vivo technique for estimation of size and relative sound velocity of breast tumor using distorted image in ultrasonic tomogram

A technique is proposed for estimation of size and sound velocity of a massive tissue relative to its surroundings that is larger with ultrasonic beam width. This technique is based on a distorted image of a plane reflector behind a massive tissue in an ultrasonic tomogram, which is caused by ultrasonic refraction. An example of a breast tumor with an obscure boundary is shown to demonstrate the usefulness of this technique.