A three-dimensional view high resolution scanner that could help doctors determine the "boundary between cancerous and healthy tissue" was developed by the researchers at University College London, Britain.

The photo acoustic tomography scanner can be used specifically to provide detailed 3D images of the deformed blood vessels within the tumor.

"Our scanner is best suited to providing high-resolutions images at a short range, but the technique could be used to image tumors a few centimeters into the breast," said lead researcher Paul Beard in a report by Xinhua News.

A related report by the NewScientist.com said "existing scanners are good at capturing of high contrast subjects like antenatal scans, but produces only low-contrast images of the inside of a tumor because the density of blood vessels is similar to that of surrounding tissue."

Meanwhile, other experts welcomed this new development citing the importance and benefits of having the laser scanner, which is less expensive and more portable than other solutions.