Doctors May Soon Be Able to Sniff Out Melanoma

While you're familiar with the ABCDEs of melanoma, scientists have discovered a more unique way of detecting the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Researchers from the Monell Center and collaborating institutions have found that skin cells affected by the cancer produce different odors from healthy skin cells. Additionally, they have developed a tiny sensor that can detect the different smells.

The skin produces many airborne chemical molecules, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many of these VOCs produce specific odors. The scientists, using skin cells grown in the lab, collected and analyzed the VOCs produced from melanoma-affected cells, at different stages of the disease, and healthy cells. They found that the cancer-affected cells' VOCs were different from the normal skin cells. They also found that the cancer cells' VOCs were different from one another depending on the stage of the disease.

While it's too early to implement this technology in doctors' offices yet, the scientists need to do more research before their findings and tool may be used to catch the cancer in its earliest stages in the future.

"It is too early in the process to directly relate our findings to exams being done today at your dermatologist's office," explained George Preti, PhD, an organic chemist at Monell and one of the study's senior authors, said in a press release. "We believe that detection of odors emanating from skin cancer sites will eventually provide a valuable adjunct to current visual and microscopic techniques to aid in early and accurate melanoma diagnoses."

In the mean time, to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, remember to properly wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day and regularly conduct self-examinations as well as having skin checks performed by a dermatologist.