New device enables early detection of cancerous skin tumors -- Ben Gurion U.

[DavidDvorkin]

Source: EurekAlert

BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL November 24, 2009 – Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing a new device that detects cancerous skin tumors, including melanomas that aren't visible to the naked eye.

During initial testing, the OSPI instrument (Optical Spectro-Polarimetric Imaging) revealed new textures of lesions that have never been seen before - including melanoma in patients who were diagnosed with various skin lesions and were awaiting surgery for their removal. The instrument diagnosed 73 types of lesions, some of them cancerous.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons typically diagnose skin tumors by their appearance with the naked eye and only rarely using a dermatoscope - a magnifying tool that allows tumors to be examined in detail.

The OSPI biosensor uses safe, infrared wavelengths and LC devices to measure tumor characteristics, including contours and spread.

Read more: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/aabu-nde112409.php

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As someone who has had skin cancer, I'm always excited by advances like these.

[fascisthunter]

1. another medical breakthrough

for the rich or those who are willing to pay a butt load of cash. Money is now synonymous to merit. If you have money, you live, if you don't you die.

[DavidDvorkin]

3. I didn't get that from the article.

[dflprincess]

9. Another medical breakthrough

from a country where all the people have access to care. I thought research only flourished in the "free market". :sarcasm:

[no_hypocrisy]

2. I've had three skin biopsies for suspected melanomas.

One proved a malignancy. If this machine can spot abnormal cells as accurately as or better than a microscope does, then I'll all for it.

[DavidDvorkin]

4. Yes, earlier and better detection

The two big factors in cancer.

[tularetom]

5. I had a half dozen of them little buggers removed from my arms

They were all diagnosed visually.

I always wondered if there were anymore of them lurking under the skin, but the doc said no that wasn't possible.

I've never had a recurrence but I'd sure make use of this gizmo when it becomes available to the public.

[Peregrine Took]

6. Thanks for posting.

I forwarded the article to my niece who is a dermatology RN just to be sure her docs know about it.

[DavidDvorkin]

7. You're welcome

I worry after each visit that my dermatologist missed something deadly. I'm eager for this device, or something equivalent, to become available.

[Therellas]

8. the test comes with free drywall.

heehee.sorry to much coffee.