Scientists have discovered that subtle changes in the human cells of people’s mouth, lungs and nose could indicate a person’s likeliness of developing lung cancer.
Patients with lung tumours were found to have subtle abnormalities in their cells, with swab samples taken from the cheek lining showing a difference in tests where they reflected and refracted light into the mouth. Those with lung tumours and who were also regular smokers, were shown as reflecting light differently to those who did not have the disease.
Experts at University College London said that the lung cancer test derived from the method would be non-invasive, and could help find patients who should be sent for more testing thorough CT scans to confirm lung cancer diagnosis.
The research team hope the test will help identify early signs of lunch cancer in smokers.
Speaking about the breakthrough findings, author of the study Professor Sam Janes said:
“Our vision for the future is that smokers could get a test at their doctors or in a pharmacy.”
