Cancer Detection Using MEMS Technology

Cancer is a chronic illness marked by reduced immunity as a result of the body's cellular deterioration. In the later stages, this may prove to be harmful and cause long-term damage and organ failure. The process of making a medical diagnosis can be challenging and filled with uncertainty. Variations in symptoms can result in different diagnoses. For the early detection of cancer, a variety of invasive and non-invasive techniques are available. Some can detect in its early stages, but are expensive, prone to human error and time consuming. The demand for non-invasive method has grown which does not involve any machinery. MEMS is a non-invasive method for the detection of cancer and is efficient with the results as it includes microstructures and nanotechnology structures. Here, use of a microcantilever structure with various designs to detect the presence of cancer is discussed for different types of cancers. Based on the deflection of the cantilever, various types of cancer can be detected. Piezoelectric material has been included for the microcantilever structure to detect cancer. Another method implemented for detecting cancer is a temperature sensor with a micro-probe. Both these approaches have been simulated and the results show that these devices can be fabricated and tested. These methods present real-time, quick, effective, and accurate diagnosis.