WEB DESK
The world’s first scanner capable of detecting skin cancer invisible to the human eye has been invented to improve diagnosis and speed up surgery.
The aim of the “Skinometer” – developed by scientists at Warwick University – is to detect how far the cancer has spread beneath the skin.
Skin cancer patients being treated at University Hospital Coventry are now being encouraged to take part in testing of the technology.
Professor Joe Hardwicke, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the hospital, says the development is “very exciting”.
He explained: “Some skin cancers can be below the skin that we can’t actually see, so when we do remove them surgically, occasionally a little bit can be left behind.
“The hope with this technology is that we can be more accurate in our surgery and remove more of the cancers on the first occasion.”
Currently, multiple skin samples need to be taken and examined during a procedure to make sure all the cancer cells are removed – but using the skin scanner should significantly reduce surgery times.
