Why is it in news?
- Scientists have developed a ‘virtual biopsy’ device that can quickly and non-invasively determine whether a skin tumour is cancerous and needs to be removed surgically.
More in news
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Working:(1) It uses sound vibrations and pulses of near-infrared light.(2) The device can determine a skin lesion’s depth and potential malignancy without using a scalpel.
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Non-invasive analysis ability: The ability to analyse a skin tumour non-invasively could make biopsies much less risky and distressing to patients.
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Non-clarity in current practice: Currently, physicians who perform surgical biopsies often do not know the extent of a lesion-and whether it will be necessary to refer the patient to a specialist for extensive tissue removal or plastic surgery- until surgery has already begun.
Source
The HIndu