KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsNew device detects cancerous tumors

Researchers are developing a new sensor that could be a valuable tool in detecting certain kinds of cancer. The device can quickly and painlessly determine if a lump is likely to be cancerous.

You'll never confuse this plastic device for a finger. Researchers at Temple University say this little sensor has an amazing ability to touch a lump in the body and almost immediately know if it's likely to be cancerous or not. "The advantage of this system is that it's non-invasive and it's much more convenient and it's not harmful in any way," said Chang-Hee Won.

Dr. Chang-Hee Won says this virtual touch sensor could be a big boost for women worried about a suspicious lump, either quickly putting them at ease or letting them know right away if they need a biopsy. A doctor simply presses the cube-like sensor against a lump, like the one in this practice breast used to train doctors. The sensor calculates the likelihood of cancer based on size, firmness, temperature and how the lump moves. "The malignant tumors are stiffer, are bigger and it's immobile. So if you can detect those characteristics than you can classify, identify a tumor earlier," said Won.

This is what a cancerous tumor looks likes to the sensor. The initial research was done on breast tumors, but scientists are looking at it's ability to distinguish thyroid and skin cancers. The sensor assigns the tumor a number between 1 and 5. The simulated tumor scored a 4 point one meaning it's likely to be cancer. "The higher the number represents more cancerous tumor, the lower the number is, it's benign tumor," said Won.

Pilot studies have begun at Temple University Hospital, comparing mammogram results to the sensor. However, researchers warn that the sensor is not a replacement for screening tests like mammograms.