# Interactive Shape Sonification for Tumor Localization in Breast Cancer Surgery

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.16129 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.16129/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 26 Dec 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Sonify Anything: Towards Context-Aware Sonic Interactions in AR](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.01789/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

About 20 percent of patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery require reoperation due to cancerous tissue remaining inside the breast. Breast cancer localization systems utilize auditory feedback to convey the distance between a localization probe and a small marker (seed) implanted into the breast tumor prior to surgery. However, no information on the location of the tumor margin is provided. To reduce the reoperation rate by improving the usability and accuracy of the surgical task, we developed an auditory display using shape sonification to assist with tumor margin localization. Accuracy and usability of the interactive shape sonification were determined on models of the female breast in three user studies with both breast surgeons and non-clinical participants. The comparative studies showed a significant increase in usability (p<0.05) and localization accuracy (p<0.001) of the shape sonification over the auditory feedback currently used in surgery.