Diagnostic Tool Research
Hello lovely people.
I am a graduate student at a University working on a diagnostic device for most manners of carcinoma, lymphoma, melanoma, etc. The device is both non-invasive, and negates patient skin-color bias.
This device is currently in the early stages of development.
I would just like to hear from the community directly, what kinds of issues do you all see in current diagnosis methods? If the device was cheap and portable, would you likely use it at home? Or is this more of a "go to the clinic" device?
For current screening methods, are these covered by insurances generally?
I have many questions and want to develop as much of a foundation in this research area as I can outside of the lab. Any input would be much appreciated.
Hello and thanks for asking for our input. Not sure what you are wanting, but will give you my best answers.
I don't really know that there is much available, at least here in the states. Not many things are FDA approved here, so not allowed. There are a few skin tracking apps available which are a big help when visiting a dermatologist. But not much help for those of us with skin cancer, without becoming trained in dermatology to know what we are looking at. I have bought a Molescope II around $400 USD, it really helps to see into a lesion better to help me decide if it looks suspicious or not, and whether I should go to the dermatologist early, or if I can wait till next visit. But still the same problem as the skin trackers (need to be able to understand what you are looking at).
I also got a device called NOTA Mole (pronounced Not A Mole) for about $300 USD. It measures changes in skin impedance to find abnormal skin lesions. I feel it is a very good idea. It is affordable enough for a consumer to obtain, but also gives us an early warning device to suggest we need to see a dermatologist.
I received mine in January 2024. I got it because I had a very small Mole show up, it didn't look like anything, just looking at it, and it was so small. But looking at it under the Molescope II, it looked like it had structure in the Mole and also stucture extending out of the mole, this I could not see just looking at it. I was still not sure, so I bought the Nota Mole device and tested the spot; and it came back abnormal.
Went to a PA and had it looked at, she scheduled me for an excision. The time came for it to be excised and the doctor came in and said he did not see anything. I pointed to its general area as it was on my face I could not see it well to get the exact spot. So he took a picture of my face and I pointed it out. He told me that it was nothing and I shouldn't worry about it. I explained that I have had prior Melanomas and that our family has had many cancers and we carry the brca2 gene. He was not convinced but decided to remove it, I think just for my peace of mind.
He sent it out for pathology and it came back as melanoma in situ. I think they were very surprised and got me back in the very next day for a second excision, because the margins were not clear.
So "YES" I would be very interested in any device that would help in early detection on any type of cancer. In fact I feel that is what we need; with the fact it is sometimes hard to see a doctor, and that doctors are so busy, it could bring down their workload were they could spend more time with us.
I do not think insurance would help with this, until it is shown it would save them money in the long run. Right now my insurance will not help in the purchase of these devices for consumers.
I would be glad to answer any other questions you have, from my personal perspective as a consumer with melanoma.
