Cancer patients given insight into their future
Breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy are now being given a glimpse into the future by being shown how reconstructive surgery might be able to help them look.
The insight comes after Rosemere Cancer Foundation funded a new 3D camera and its imaging software for the medical photography team at the Royal Preston Hospital.
Team lead medical photographer Lucy Tinniswood explained: “With the new camera, we just need three to six images, which are stitched together and uploaded to the software to create one 3D image.
“This image can be rotated in any direction for a 180o or 360o view. It can show accurate automated measurements where previously the surgeon had to physically measure the patient. It also allows for an element of manipulation for pre-operative planning and visualisation of what someone could look like post-operatively and post-reconstructive surgery.”
Lucy continued: “For a breast cancer patient who is considering reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, the surgeon can now show them an image of the potential end result, helping them to make an informed decision. It is hoped by managing expectation, it will help reduce the number of surgeries a patient will need to go through.”
And it is not just breast cancer patients set to benefit as Lucy and her team not only work closely with consultant plastic surgeons Mr Jeyaram Srinivasan and Mr Chidi Ekwobi but also with the hospital’s maxillo-facial specialists.
Their patients include those in potentially disfiguring treatment for mouth, head and neck cancers, who may be offered facial reconstructive surgery. In addition, burns and accident patients could also see how plastic surgery may be able to shape their future too.
Lucy was given £14,675 by Rosemere Cancer Foundation to add to £10,000 from the Plastic Surgery Department to pay for the 3D camera and its software.
Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region's specialist cancer treatment and radiotherapy centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, and at another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties.
The charity funds cutting-edge equipment, clinical research, staff training and innovative services and initiatives that the NHS cannot afford in order to make patients' cancer journey more effective, comfortable and stress-free. For further information on its work, including how to make a donation, visit www.rosemere.org.uk