New tool can detect and diagnose metastatic melanoma accurately

Researchers detect melanoma or skin cancer by selecting homogenous cells that are of uniform size and shape as these are easier to detect any irregularities. Moreover, they predominantly use those melanoma cells that absorb light since current detection methods use sound waves and light absorption technique. However, there is a risk of misdiagnosis when it comes to detecting cells that are irregular. To overcome this, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new tool that detects and analyzes single melanoma cells. They used a technique called photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy to modify a microscope, which helped them merge light sources so that observing single cells became easier. Another advantage of this tool is that researchers can detect newer and smaller cells, which often are paler in color and can be difficult to observe using conventional methods.

Read more in Science Daily.