Gamma detection system probe

For women diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries or cervix, treatment used to involve the surgical removal of not only the cancerous tumour but every surrounding lymph node. While effective in limiting the spread of malignant cells, the removal of these nodes increased the risk of post-surgical complications such as lymphedema, a potentially dangerous swelling resulting from an accumulation of lymph fluid.

Recent technological advances now allow doctors working at the McGill University Health Centre’s Women’s Health Mission to provide gyneco-logical cancer patients with a new and safer standard of care. Using a gamma detection system probe, oncologists can successfully identify the first lymph node cancer cells will travel to and test it. Only if it is cancerous will they remove it.

Currently, the MUHC’s gynecological oncologists don’t have their own gamma detection system probe and must borrow one used by their colleagues in breast surgeries. There are two problems with this: the configuration of the probe isn’t ideal for the anatomy of the pelvis, and gyneco-logical cancer patients have longer wait times.

For $70,000, the gynecological oncology division could have its own probe, which would make this treatment option safer and quicker for hun-dreds of MUHC patients every year. If you are interested in making a donation towards the purchase of this important tool through the Best Care for Life campaign, please contact Dolly Shinhat‑Ross at 514-931-5656.

This series is intended to be informative. The McGill University Health Centre Foundation does not endorse any particular manufacturer or model of the equipment shown and described here.