Melanoma Detection Device Award | London Mole Removal

James Dyson Award

A device designed to spot melanoma skin cancer has been awarded the prestigious James Dyson Award 2017.

The handheld device is called ‘SKan’ and uses heat detection to allow doctors to identify melanoma accurately and relatively cheaply at a cost of under $1,000 (£760) – a price which is potentially within the reach of patients as well as health professionals.

SKan was invented by four engineering undergraduates at McMaster University in Canada. The device heats the skin and then assesses the length of time it takes for cells suspected of being cancerous to return to normal temperature after they are cooled. Cancerous cells have a faster metabolic rate and give off more heat, so assessing the cooling time is an indicator of melanoma.

The makers say that this solution could save lives by identifying cancer before biopsy results, enabling earlier treatment.

It provides another alternative for professionals who currently rely on visual assessment of worrying skin lesions or more advanced methods like high-resolution thermal imaging cameras which are time consuming or expensive.

James Dyson congratulated the team, saying:

“By using widely available and inexpensive components, the sKan allows for melanoma skin cancer detection to be readily accessible to the many. It’s a very clever device.”

The winning team were awarded £30,000, which they plan to invest in further development of the product. They said:

“We are truly humbled and excited to be given this remarkable opportunity.”

Melanoma Treatment

In the meantime, anyone with concerns about a worrying mole or suspicious skin lesion is recommended to seek an opinion from their GP.

Melanoma is increasingly common in the UK and can be fatal if diagnosed too late.

Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated very easily with mole removal surgery. Early treatment has excellent outcomes, but as melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include: