18-Wheeler Cancer Cells

Cancer is visualized using all sorts of imaging technologies. It can be felt by patients themselves. Even dogs are known to sniff out cancer. Now, scientists are developing yet another way to detect cancer - before it develops into tumors.

Researchers are perfecting technology that can detect melanoma at the cellular level - long before tumors even think about forming. The technique combines lasers with ultrasound in a technology known as photoacoustics.

If you notice changes in a mole, see your doctor.

University of Missouri researchers are working to put the final touches on a device that can peer into the inner workings of corrupted cells to find ones that are leaning toward becoming melanoma.

John Viator, associate professor of biomedical engineering and dermatology in the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center is spearheading this work.

"We compare the detection method to watching an eight-lane highway full of white compact cars. In our tests, the cancer cells look like a black 18-wheeler," Viator said.

The most aggressive form of skin cancer needs to be caught early, because melanoma spreads throughout the body at lightning speed.

Today, the disease is diagnosed using computerized tomography (CT) scans and MRIs, which cost thousands of dollars. And by the time these imaging technologies pick it up, the melanoma has already taken shape.

This device, that will be about the size of a computer printer, shines a laser light into the blood sample. Melanin in the cancer cells jumps through some hoops before become clearly visible.

Viator's photoacoustic machine will not only highlight these dangerous cells, but determine the form of cancer they are and the best way to annihilate them.

This machine will be offered to scientists and academics for research. Viator has signed a commercialization license to allow this to happen.

The technology will also be tested in clinical trials as is necessary for gaining U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

Once it's commercially available in the next few years, Viator says the testing can be performed in a physician's office and  will cost only several thousand dollars.