MoleScope turns a smartphone into a skin cancer diagnostic tool

MoleScope

MoleScope is an innovative hand-held tool that uses a smartphone to monitor skin for signs of cancer. Developed by Simon Fraser University PhD graduate Maryam Sadeghi and its company MetaOptima Technology, it enables people to monitor their moles and skin health, share images with family and healthcare providers and eventually, connect skin specialists with people online.

MoleScope comprises a mini-microscope that attaches to a smartphone, an app and a HIPAA-compliant cloud-based analytical platform called DermEngine. Once people take high-resolution images of suspicious moles or skin abnormalities, they can archive images and communicate concerns with others. The dermatologist on their end get to access to a web based interface or an independent app to check out the images.

MoleScope will come in two versions: a consumer model which will retail at $149; and a more expensive professional version.The service can reach communities without access to medical specialists and those with long waitlists as people can self-monitor their moles and track changes over time.

MoleScope will come in two versions: a consumer model which will retail at $149; and a more expensive professional version that is being presented at the World Congress of Dermatology as we speak.

The device has already cleared a number of regulatory hurdles, including Health Canada, FDA (as a Class 1 medical device), and has received the CE Mark in the EU, with TGA approval in Australia coming in shortly.

This is by no means the first smartphone connected melanoma detection device. Earlier, we’ve reported that a University of Houston professor created the app called DermoScreen that works with a dermoscope camera attachment to accomplish the same thing.

It is estimated that 70% of skin cancer is caught by individuals and family members, so solutions like MoleScope can play an important role in treating melanomas.