|
|
Infrared laser can 'see' cancer earlier
October 23, 1996
Web posted at: 2:00 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Dick Wilson
WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (CNN) -- A new diagnostic tool being tested at Purdue University could help doctors detect cancer much earlier than with existing X-ray equipment.
Professor Eva Sevick and researcher Jeffery Reynolds are working to develop a technique that uses low-intensity infrared lasers to detect diseased tissue.
"The infrared light is harmless, unlike X-ray radiation, and it can penetrate through several centimeters of tissues," Sevick said.
The laser works by passing through the body to reveal diseased areas.
To demonstrate, Reynolds placed his hand in a milky liquid that simulates human tissue reacting to laser light. A camera records the scene by taking a picture. Because the laser light scatters, more like a shotgun blast than a rifle, the camera can detect tumors as small as 2 centimeters in radius, much smaller than those picked up by X-rays.
Being able to detect such small tumors could allow doctors to detect and stop the deadly disease before it has a chance to spread. Sevick and Reynolds said they particularly hope the technology will help in the detection of breast cancer.
But even the new laser system has its downside. Like its X-ray counterpart, it could require injection of dyes into a patient's body.
The current experiments rely on laser light generated by large, expensive lasers. But Sevick and Reynolds believe their research could lead to the development of a simple, portable detection device within seven years.
Related site:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser windowExternal sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.