New scan technology could replace biopsy for skin cancer: Austrian study

VIENNA -- A new study of diagnosis options for skin cancer by the Medical University of Vienna have shown promising results, the University reported in a press release on Monday.

A research team from the Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at the University found the use of new optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology could provide a view "under the skin," while previous analysis has only been possible through a biopsy.

OCT technology is currently used in opthalmology for retina examinations as well as in dermatology, though it had not been able to detect the progression of skin cancers.

The Vienna research team worked in conjunction with a team from the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich to improve the technology, to provide a deeper look into skin tissue.

"Worldwide it has thus been achieved for the first time, to have these kinds of detailed images of the vasculature of skin cancer in people," said team leader Rainer Leitgeb.

He added that the new technology could also show how skin cancers are nourished, as well as to show the precursors of skin cancers which could save patients a painful biopsy.

"The hope is that we can develop a scan through which skin doctors can detect skin cancers and their precursors on the whole body early, and thereby also treat them early," said Leitgeb.

First results of the study have been published in the medical journal "Biomedical Optics Express."