A new methodology, based on low field NMR relaxometry, has been employed to characterize breast tumour tissue and to tackle the important clinical need for the assessment of tumour margins during breast-conserving surgery. The method relies on the acquisition of proton longitudinal relaxation rate at low magnetic field strengths which are affected by the changes in the composition of the mammary gland tissue occurring during the development of neoplasia. A sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 92%, 85%, and 89%, respectively, were achieved. The information obtained has the potential to support the surgeon in real-time margin assessment.
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