Design and Development of an Electro-Optic Measurement System for 3-D Topographic Surveys: Application to Skin Nevoid Lesions

Abstract

Objective: The authors designed and developed a system for the measurement of skin lesions¹ geometrical proprieties. The measured characteristics can be of extreme importance in order to provide elements for the early diagnosis of melanoma. Summary Background Data: Actually, medical experience and prevention are the only instruments for melanoma diagnosis. Some studies have been conducted with thermocameras and with ecography and photoacoustics spectrography. Methods: A scanning laser-based measurement system for non-contact shape measurement has been designed and tested. The system measurement characteristics have been studied to assure an accurate reconstruction of skin lesion surface characteristics. The laser sensor is fixed on a motorized system that scans the lesion surface. All the controls on the scanning system and on the recording of data have been automated and are software-controlled. Results: Full success in the measurement and reconstruction of the skin lesions characteristics has been reached. An accuracy of 0.03 mm has been obtained with the system. Measurements of the height and perimeter of many suspected lesions have been performed. Conclusions: The research reported in this work has demonstrated the applicability and usefulness of the proposed method by means of an in-vitro prototype-version measurement system. The possibility of surveying the shape of skin lesions by means of a non-contact electro-optic measurement plays an important role in the objective evaluation of in vivo pigmented suspected nevoid lesions (melanoma). Next steps include the study of a possible correlation between topographic elements and histological tests and the possibility of controlling suspected lesions employing this technique both in the diagnostic and the follow-up phases.