Measurement method for cancer detection from microwave to optical: skin cancer case study

Skin cancer is known as one of the most widespread and challenging types of cancer, and serious clinical outcomes are often encountered due to delayed early detection. Therefore, the development of rapid, accurate, and low-cost diagnostic methods is considered a high priority in biomedical research. In recent years, non-invasive imaging technologies such as microwave, THz, and optical methods are introduced as effective tools for the early diagnosis of skin cancer. Each of these techniques is known for their specific advantages and limitations, including penetration depth, image resolution, equipment cost, and sensitivity to tissue variations, and thus separate investigation is required. In this review paper, recent advances and innovations methods and equipments are presented and discussed, with focus on measurement and tissue modeling techniques, and data analysis methods. In addition, existing technical and clinical challenges are discussed, and the strengths and weaknesses of each technology are comparatively analyzed. Finally, the future progress is considered based on these methods and possibility of integrated and improved through advanced data processing so that more efficient and reliable diagnostic systems are enabled for the early recognizing of skin cancer.