Shortwave and Infrared Radiation Source for the Skin Pathologies Detection

The paper considers the problems arising in the application of modern methods of skin cancer detection. The necessity of developing new approaches to the diagnosis of skin pathologies based on photonics and optoelectronics methods is substantiated. A new method of image processing of neoplasms on the basis of an advanced multispectral radiation source with a controlled spectrum in the short-wave, near-ultraviolet and infra-red ranges is proposed. A series of images of a benign neoplasm in the abdominal region were obtained in order to analyse different skin areas, depending on the selected radiation ranges. Conclusions were drawn regarding the necessity of using the short wavelength range to detect pigmentation accompanying the neoplasm, and the infra-red range to detect internal tissue structures of abnormalities. We performed MATLAB Image Processing Toolbox image processing using spatial filtering, histogram equalization and matrix concatenation to minimize irregular skin structures in images. Intensity distribution graphs of images are given, the degree of absorption by skin chromophores in a selected wavelength range is analyzed. Conclusions on necessity of application of the developed method of research of skin pathologies in medicine are made.