DK / EN

MEDICAL RESEARCH

Skin cancer – comparison of advanced scanners for diagnosis and selection of optimal treatment

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in fair-skinned individuals and the number of patients increases year by year. Every day, dermatologists evaluate many skin changes in their attempt to diagnose skin cancer at an early stage; it is however challenging because many skin changes look like skin cancer – but they are not and vice versa.

“The Vissing Foundation supports a clinical study involving a comparison of four different advanced skin scanners that allow dermatologists to choose the optimal treatment based on size, depth and scanning details. Cell type and blood circulation are further criteria,” explains associate professor Mette Mogensen from Dept. of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital.

The goal is to provide an even more accurate and faster skin cancer diagnose and support the correct choice of efficient treatment. Artificial intelligence is used to interpret scannings. An investigation will take place to find out whether artificial intelligence can contribute positively to diagnostics in skin cancer patients.

Combining all scanners in one bedside test will take place in Denmark for the first time in Europe. Also, Danish patients will be offered photoacoustic scannings, which “listen” to the skin, for the first time. Laser light heat activates a pressure wave below the skin which this newly developed ultrasound equipment is able to detect, this opens new possibilities in skin cancer diagnostics.