Infrared and Raman Spectroscopic Studies of Molecular Disorders in Skin Cancer

Aim: To investigate the molecular structural disorders of cancerous skin. Materials and Methods: Human malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma biopsies were used for the investigation. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were utilized. Spectral differences between healthy, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma tissues were recorded. Results: The FT-IR bands of v(as)CH(2), v(s)CH(2) and Raman v(s)CH(3) of cell membrane lipids were increased in intensity in melanoma due to an increased lipophilic environment. The FT-IR band at 1,744 cm(-1) assigned to malondialdehyde can be used as a band diagnostic of cancer progression. The amide I bands at 1,654 cm(-1) and 1,650 cm(-1) for Raman and FT-IR, respectively were broader in spectra from melanoma, reflecting changes of protein secondary structure from alpha-helix to beta-sheet and random coil. The intensity of the FT-IR band at 1,046 cm(-1) was increased in melanoma, suggesting glycosylation of the skin upon cancer development. Another band that might be considered as diagnostic was found at about 815 cm(-1) in melanoma and was attributed to Z-DNA configuration. As far as we know, this is the first time that scanning electron microscopy revealed that metal components of titanium alloys from tooth implants were transferred to melanoma tissue taken from the back of one patient. Conclusion: Vibrational spectroscopy highlighted increased glycosylation in melanoma.