ABSTRACT
One of the most important potential applications of focused ultrasound surgery (FUS)
ablation is the treatment of breast tumors. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed
cancer in women in the United States. In 2006, breast cancer is expected to account for
212,920 new cases (31% of all new cancer cases among women) and 40,970 deaths
(1). Between 1991 and 2001, a 2.3% annual decrease in the age-adjusted breast cancer death
rate was documented, mainly due to earlier diagnosis as well as advances in treatment.