Tiny Camera Gives Doctors an Inside View of Breast Cancer

Doctors in England are now able to get an inside view of breast cancer using a camera as thin as a few strands of human hair, according to researchers at Guy's Hospital in London.

The micro-endoscope is inserted through the nipple and sends magnified images to a video monitor, allowing doctors to examine the lining of the breast ducts.

Most breast cancers start within the breast ducts and then spread to surrounding breast tissue.

Dr. Nicholas Beechey-Newman, whose team is the first to test the device in Europe, speculates that the micro-endoscope may make biopsies a thing of the past.

"We are currently adapting the encoscope so that, during the procedure, we can take samples of cells from the abnormal area for further investigation," said Beechey-Newman. "Eventually, this could avoid the need for a biopsy altogether."

The device, already tested in the U.S., is normally used with general anesthesia.

Other Sources: Guys Hospital