Visualize the tumor

To date, it is impossible to track whether all cancerous tissues have been successfully removed right during the operation. As a rule, doctors rely on MRI scans, computed tomography, experience and visual examination to determine the boundaries of the tumor. After that, tissue samples are sent to the laboratory to check whether the tumor has been completely removed. Waiting for the results takes up to two weeks.

In about 10% of cases, it turns out that some tumor tissues have been missed, and a second operation is required to remove them.

A new imaging technology developed by Canadian scientists from the University of Waterloo uses a laser to interact with the tumor and healthy tissues, helping to distinguish them without physical contact in real time. This approach will help to avoid unnecessary surgery and the development of metastases, because during the operation, the surgeon will be able to see exactly what to cut and how much.

Photoacoustic technology works as follows: using a laser, light pulses are directed to the target tissue, which absorbs them, heats up, expands and produces sound waves, and a second laser reads these waves. Then the data is processed, after which it is possible to accurately determine whether the tissue is cancerous.

The system has already been used before to create accurate images of human tissue samples.

The next steps include integrating the technology into a surgical microscope and finally using the system directly on patients during operations.

Scientists hope to develop a fully functioning system within two years.

Article by Abbasi et al. The All-optical Reflection-mode Microscopic History of Unstained Human Tissues is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Elena Panasyuk, portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Waterloo: New imaging technology could ‘revolutionize’ cancer surgery.