Millimeter scanner to replace skin biopsy for cancer diagnosis

Researchers are using millimeter waves (EHF) to image cancerous tumors.

skin neoplasms.The same technology is used in microwave security scanners installed at some airports. Scientists believe that their development will help reduce the number of biopsies by at least half.

As the developers note, healthy tissue andcancer cells reflect millimeter-wave rays in different ways. Therefore, by analyzing the reflection of the wave from the skin, it is possible to determine the presence of oncological changes.

Researchers have developed a special algorithmto combine signals received from multiple different antennas into a single ultra-high-bandwidth image. The technology allows you to suppress noise and quickly create a high-resolution image of even the tiniest mole or skin defect.

Image: Scientific Reports

The developers note that millimeter beamsrange harmlessly penetrate human skin to a depth of about 2mm, so the team's imaging technology produces a clear 3D map of scanned lesions.

Researchers are planning toimprove the instrument's algorithm to improve lesion margin mapping, enabling more accurate and less invasive malignant biopsy.

“We are not trying to get rid of the biopsy. But we want to give doctors additional tools and help them make more informed decisions,” says Negar Tavassolyan, co-author of the study.

The researchers used their portabledevice in the clinic. The results showed that, based on the instrument data alone, the scientists were able to identify cancerous tissue with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 98%. This is in line with the best hospital grade diagnostic tools.

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There are other advanced technologiesimaging that can detect skin cancer, but these are large and expensive machines that the clinic does not have. We're building a low-cost device that's as small and easy to use as a mobile phone, making advanced diagnostics accessible to everyone.

Negar Tavassolyan, study co-author

The researchers are currently working on a device ready for mass production. Scientists believe that the finished solution will be available to doctors within two years.

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