© EDP Srl, 2004 SKIN TUMOURS.

MEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHYMEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHYMEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHYMEDICAL INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY

© EDP Srl, 2004http://www.edpsrl.com

SKIN TUMOURSSKIN TUMOURS



Skin TumoursSkin Tumours

Skin tumours are a relatively common disease, especially in warm countries. Last decade, a significant increasing of incidence of skin tumours has been reported. According to most scientists, this sad situation is connected to the destruction of the ozone layer in the atmosphere. There is a particularly dangerous situation in Australia and New Zealand, were melanoma, one of the most dangerous cancer is defined “killer number one”.

The diagnostics of skin tumours is very difficult, because it is based on histological examination. And it is generally known that any invasion into the tumour tissue increases the risk of metastases many times. Histology is an invasive and expensive procedure, so it can not be used in mass screenings. For this purpose infrared thermography may be applied with very good results.



Skin TumoursSkin Tumours

Infrared thermography is a non-contact, safe, fast and very reliable diagnostic method for skin tumors. It can be used on the beaches, in hotels and holiday resorts. Its application is particularly effective in countries with good tourist business.



If any skin tumour node is malignant, on the thermogram it appears as a hot point with a temperature gradient from 0,8 to 2,5°C. Usually, in thermograms, the size of the tumour is bigger than visible borders. This fact is very important for surgeons, because it can help to specify the operation mode.

Cancer of the SkinCancer of the Skin

Face thermogram. Plantocellular skin cancer above the right angle of the upper lip.

Back thermogram. Skin cancer above the upper angle of the right scapula.

Back thermogram. Melanoma below the left scapula.


The thermograms with haemangiomas are the most staggering ones. This type of skin tumour has a very high temperature gradient and curious shape.


HaemangiomaHaemangioma

Back thermogram. Haemangioma above the right scapula towards the vertebral column.

Back thermogram. Small haemangioma on the left of the midline.

Haemangioma of the lateral surface of the left knee.



Benign Skin TumoursBenign Skin Tumours

In the case of benign skin tumours, there is not a significant neo-hangiogenesis or a significant increase of the metabolic activity. Temperature above these tumours may be normal (invisible in thermograms) or decreased. This is the basis of differential diagnostics between benign and malignant tumours.

Lumbar area thermogram. Isothermic point above the lipoma, located on midline at the level of L3. Hyperthermia of the lumbar area is caused by low back pain.

© EDP Srl, 2004 SKIN TUMOURS.

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