Early detection is critical. However, distinguishing cancerous lesions from benign and precancerous growths can be challenging because many can look similar. A biopsy followed by microscopic examination of tissue remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but biopsies are invasive, costly and can sometimes be performed on lesions that ultimately prove to be benign.
There is a need for rapid, noninvasive diagnostic tools that can accurately identify skin cancer while potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies.