Skin Cancer 'Smells,' Can Help Early Detection

Researchers have found that skin cancer has its own 'odor profile', which is easy to differ from a healthy skin profile. The finding comes from Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia and will open doors for a new noninvasive way of diagnosing skin cancer quickly, easily, painlessly. The only approved way for diagnosis of skin cancer is biopsy coming after a visual exam, which is invasive also. Researchers examined the air surrounding arm areas of 25 healthy volunteers and 11 patients with basal cell carcinoma. They analysed the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) extracted from skin and 'flying around' in the air. Researchers found that VOCs of healthy and infected skins are entirely different and are clearly describing skin condition. Scientists now plan to clarify 'odor profile' for skin cancer and create a device... [read full story]