A Quantitative Model of Cutaneous Melanoma Diagnosis Using Thermography

Cutaneous melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and its incidence is on the rise worldwide. Early detection and differentiation of a malignant melanoma from benign cutaneous lesions provides an excellent chance for treating the disease. Thermography is a non-invasive tool that can be used to detect and monitor skin lesions. We model heat transfer in a skin region containing a lesion. The model which is governed by the Pennes equation uses the steady state temperature at the skin surface to determine whether there is an underlying lesion. Numerical simulations from the model ascertain whether the lesion is malignant or benign.