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Detecting melanoma with a terahertz spectroscopy imaging technique
Dandan Li1, Zhongbo Yang2, Ailing Fu3
1Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center of High-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Imaging Technology & Research Center of Applied Physics, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) can identify melanoma in mouse skin. This technique detects differences in refractive index and absorption, offering a new diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Medical Imaging
- Terahertz Spectroscopy
Background:
- Melanoma diagnosis relies on histopathology and imaging.
- Terahertz (THz) waves offer non-ionizing imaging potential for biological tissues.
- Differences in tissue composition affect THz wave interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) for melanoma detection in mouse skin.
- To correlate THz spectroscopic properties with tissue composition.
Main Methods:
- A transmission mode THz-TDS system was used to image BALB/c mouse skin tissue slices.
- Melanoma and normal skin regions were analyzed in the 0.6-1.8 THz frequency range.
- Hematoxylin-eosin staining and mass weighing were performed for compositional analysis.
Main Results:
- Melanoma was clearly identified using THz-TDS imaging.
- Melanoma exhibited a higher refractive index and absorption coefficient than normal skin.
- Higher nucleic acid density, water content, and lower fat content in melanoma contribute to its THz properties.
Conclusions:
- THz-TDS imaging is a viable technique for melanoma diagnosis.
- THz spectroscopic properties are linked to melanoma's biochemical composition.
- This method provides a non-invasive approach for early melanoma detection.
