New non-invasive technique for diagnosing skin cancer developed

International researchers have developed a promising laser-based technique for detecting skin cancer in a non-invasive way.

Developed by Lancaster University and Pisa University, the method vessel uses a laser Doppler system to record complex interactions taking place in the minute blood vessels beneath the skin.

Examining the subtle differences in blood flow beneath the skin enabled researchers to tell the difference between malignant melanoma and non-cancerous moles in around 30 minutes without the need for a biopsy.

A study of 55 patients with atypical moles revealed that the laser Doppler signal was able to correctly identify 100 percent of the patients with malignant skin cancer.

It also offers 90.9 percent specificity, meaning melanoma was identified in all cases where it was present, and ruled out in more than 90 percent of cases where it was not.

Professor Marco Rossi of Pisa University said: "This simple, accurate, in vivo distinction between malignant melanoma and atypical moles may lead to a substantial reduction in the number of biopsies currently undertaken."