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Posts with tag skin cancer

Researchers aim to detect skin cancer via scent

Here's an interesting one. A group of US experts have discovered that a common form of skin cancer could one day be detected very early on by simply analyzing scents. More specifically, it was found that basal cell carcinomas give off an odor that is distinctly different than samples from healthy skin, which obviously opens up the possibility for "cheap and painless testing." In the future, researchers are hoping to create scent profiles for other types of skin cancer, including the infamous malignant melanoma. Believe it or not, a machine may be only one of the devices used to eventually sniff cancerous cells -- similar research is ongoing using canines and their remarkably sensitives schnozes.

Light Bandage treats skin cancer on-the-go

A physicist and a dermatology consultant at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (no, that's not the beginning of a joke) have just built a new revolutionary mobile treatment for skin cancer. Their invention is a "light bandage" whose LEDs shine onto the affected area while the wearer is out and about, and draws power from an iPod-sized battery pack. The device is based on the principles of photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT), which is traditionally used to treat skin cancer; however, in current applications of PDT, patients must sit or lie still while sitting under huge light sources. Of course, this means that now you can go lay on the beach to get your tan on, absorbing ultraviolet rays while wearing a light bandage to treat your skin cancer. Perfect.

[Via medGadget]



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