In vivo terahertz pulsed spectroscopy of dysplastic and non-dysplastic skin nevi

Abstract

The results of the in vivo terahertz (THz) pulsed spectroscopy (TPS) of pigmentary skin nevi are reported. Observed THz dielectric permittivity of healthy skin and dysplastic and non-dysplastic skin nevi exhibits significant contrast in THz frequency range. Dysplastic skin nevus is a precursor of melanoma, which is reportedly the most dangerous cancer of the skin. Therefore, the THz dielectric spectroscopy is potentially an effective tool for non-invasive early diagnosis of melanomas of the skin.