Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Virtual Skin Biopsy Determines Presence of Cancerous Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Apr 2024

When dermatologists spot an unusual mark on a patient's skin, they face a choice: monitor it for some time or remove it for biopsy. More...

Similarly, when removing breast tumors, surgeons must send excised tissues to pathologists who take several days to determine if any cancerous cells remain, leading to a second surgery for removing additional cells in about 20% of cases. Pathologists process these tissues by slicing them into thin sections and staining them with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), which enhances the visibility of cellular structures and is crucial for diagnosing cancers and other diseases. However, this method is labor-intensive and irreversible; once a biopsy is sliced in one direction, it cannot be resectioned for alternative views. Now, a "virtual biopsy" could allow dermatologists to forego the scalpel and scan the skin to check for cancerous cells without an incision. Similarly, surgeons might soon be able to determine if they have completely removed the tumor during the procedure itself by using real-time imaging instead of waiting for traditional pathology results.

Researchers at Stanford Medicine (Stanford, CA, USA) have introduced a technique that utilizes lasers to penetrate tissue and create detailed three-dimensional reconstructions of cellular structures. This method enables the production of cross-sectional images similar to those made by slicing biopsy samples, which are typically examined under a microscope. This breakthrough could allow for noninvasive skin scans and speed up the biopsy results from other tissues, potentially offering more comprehensive diagnostic information. While further development is required to bring this technology to clinical practice, the researchers are optimistic that their innovation will transform how biopsies are performed.

“We’ve not only created something that can replace the current gold-standard pathology slides for diagnosing many conditions, but we actually improved the resolution of these scans so much that we start to pick up information that would be extremely hard to see otherwise,” said Adam de la Zerda, Ph.D., an associate professor of structural biology.

Related Links:
Stanford Medicine


Gold Member
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Test
OSOM® RSV Test
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Alcohol Testing Device
Dräger Alcotest 7000
New
Gold Member
Hybrid Pipette
SWITCH
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The CloneSeq-SV approach can allow researchers to study how cells within high-grade serous ovarian cancer change over time (Photo courtesy of MSK)

Blood Test Tracks Treatment Resistance in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because it spreads microscopically throughout the abdomen, and although initial surgery and chemotherapy can work, most... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The collaboration aims to improve access to Hb variant testing with the Gazelle POC diagnostic platform (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

Terumo BCT and Hemex Health Collaborate to Improve Access to Testing for Hemoglobin Disorders

Millions of people worldwide living with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders experience delayed diagnosis and limited access to effective care, particularly in regions where testing is scarce.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.