Scientists develop diagnostic device that can detect oral cancer in 15 minutes

Scientists at Indore-based Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) have developed a diagnostic device which they claim would give out accurate information about the possibility of a person developing oral cancer within just 15 minutes. RRCAT works under the Department of Atomic Energy. 

The head of RRCAT's Laser Bio-Medical Applications section S K Majumder told reporters here the "OncoDiagnoScope" is a pencil-shaped device connected to a Fiber Optic Probe (a medical device). "To find out if a person is suffering from oral cancer, the device is put into his/her mouth. The device shows results on a computer tablet monitor within 15 minutes. It can give up to 90 per cent correct results on the possibility of oral cancer in a person," Majumadar said Monday. 

He said this portable device can be carried anywhere due to its small size and is thus convenient for use. Majumdar also said the device was tested successfully on patients at different hospitals and medical camps. "RRCAT has developed the equipment after conducting research for 15 years at a cost of Rs 2.5 lakh," he disclosed. 

Responding to a query on the production of the device, he said the government process to transfer this technology to manufacturing units is underway. 

"We expect that this device would soon be made available for the common people and prove its utility to fight cancer," he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)