FIU Develops Hand-Held Breast Cancer Detection Tool

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Scientists at a South Florida University are developing a hand-held tool that could be used to detect breast cancer.

The optical scanner, developed at Florida International University, is considered non-invasive and an inexpensive way to give an early diagnosis -an important feat for a disease considered the second largest cause of death in women in the United States.

The way it works is, it creates a 3-D image of the tissue in real-time. A feature considered unique to the tool is its ability to show a contrast between disease and normal tissues.

It can also be used to look at the side of the chest which is not possible in present machines.

The invention goes beyond cancer diagnosis.

It can be used for any kind of body-imaging tasks like brain mapping, drug delivery, detection of tissue hemorrhages and lie detection, according to university officials.

The university says they are currently looking for a commercial partner to help further develop and introduce the device.

The product will be going to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.