Non-invasive infrared thermography for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of skin cancer

Abstract

The incidence of skin cancer is rising continuously. The time of diagnosis is decisive for the morbidity and mortality risk of patients. An optimal screening procedure has yet to be established. Non-contact imaging methods are of great interest but have not yet been sufficiently developed and investigated for large-scale use. Compared to digital photography, infrared thermography offers the additional information of heat radiation from the skin surface, which correlates strongly with malignant changes. Literature on the current scientific status of screening, diagnosis and monitoring of skin cancer using thermographic procedures was identified in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. From a technical and information technology point of view, infrared thermography is very well suited for use as a non-invasive, cost-effective, time-saving, and easy-to-use screening instrument. However, there is still a lack of reliable evidence and practical implementation in 3D systems suitable for mass use. Research in this area should be intensified in order to develop, test and establish applicable systems on a large scale.