Diagnostic System for Early In Situ Melanoma Detection Using Acoustic Microscopy and Infrared Spectroscopic Mapping Imaging

This study proposes a novel diagnostic system for the early detection of cutaneous melanoma based on morphological and biochemical changes during tumor formation. The methods used in this system are acoustic microscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The former identifies the anatomical parameters of the developing tumor, whilst the latter identifies its biochemical features, both at the micron scale. To implement this diagnostic method, an animal model that mimics human melanoma was developed. The results of this investigation show that using high-frequency (>20 MHz) acoustic microscopy in conjunction with spectroscopic images provides useful information about distinct features of melanoma tumors’ 3D structures. The structures and cytoarchitecture of the tumors were assessed using conventional histology, and their malignant nature was confirmed using histological and immumohistochemical analysis. The proposed approach may provide an invaluable tool in diagnostic dermatology, as it is noninvasive and produces highly detailed and accurate data about the early appearance and development of melanoma tumors.