A Surgeon’s Insights on the SCOUT® Radar Localization System
Q&A with Mr Jose Cid Fernandez
We are proud to announce that Breast Cancer Research Centre – WA is the first breast cancer centre in Western Australia to utilise the revolutionary SCOUT® Radar Localization System, made possible through the generous support of Hollywood Private Hospital.
This cutting-edge technology marks a significant advancement in breast cancer surgery, enhancing the precision of tumour localization and improving patient comfort and outcomes. In this Q&A session, Mr Jose Cid Fernandez shares his expert insights into the SCOUT system, detailing its benefits and its impact on surgical practices and patient care.
Q: What is the SCOUT radar localization system?
A: The SCOUT localization system is a new technology designed to help us locate nonpalpable breast cancers. Around 30 to 40% of breast cancers are found through screening, making them very small and undetectable by touch.
During surgery, accurately locating these cancers is crucial. Traditionally, we used a wire localization method from the 1970s, involving a radiologist inserting a fine wire with a hook into the breast to mark the tumour. However, this wire sticks out of the skin, causing discomfort for the patient and adding complexity to scheduling since it must be inserted on the day of surgery.
The SCOUT system, on the other hand, uses a tiny radar-based reflector that is placed in the breast where the tumour is located. This can be done days or even months before surgery. During the operation, the reflector sends a signal to a console, guiding us to the tumour, making the process more comfortable for the patient and more efficient for the surgical team.
Q: What are the main benefits of using SCOUT for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery?
A: The SCOUT system offers significant benefits for patients, radiologists, and surgeons. For patients, it is much more comfortable, as the reflector is about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted with a device similar to an injection, which is far less painful than having a wire protruding from the skin for hours before surgery.
Radiologists prefer it, with reports of 85% of them finding that inserting the SCOUT reflector is easier than the traditional wire. [1]
For surgeons, the SCOUT system offers greater precision, enabling us to locate the tumour within one millimetre. This accuracy facilitates the removal of cancerous tissue with a lower likelihood of requiring a second surgery. Plus, it allows for the conservation of more healthy tissue, contributing to improved cosmetic results. It also makes our surgical planning smoother since we don’t have to place the wire on the day of surgery, which lowers patient stress and streamlines operating room schedules.
Q: How does the placement of the SCOUT reflector at the time of biopsy benefit patients, particularly those with highly suspicious lesions?
A: If a lesion detected during screening is highly suspicious, we can place the SCOUT reflector during the biopsy, eliminating the need for a second procedure to mark the tumour later. This is particularly beneficial for highly suspicious cases, although it is not used for all lesions due to the cost of the SCOUT reflector.
Q: How does SCOUT contribute to better cosmetic outcomes after surgery?
A: The SCOUT system allows for more precise incisions, improving cosmetic results. With wire localization, the wire’s entry point is often far from the tumour, limiting where we can make incisions. The SCOUT reflector does not protrude through the skin, allowing us to place incisions strategically for better cosmetic outcomes.
Q: For patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy to shrink the tumour before surgery, how does SCOUT help in accurately locating the tumour or lymph nodes after the therapy?
A: For patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, the SCOUT reflector is placed before starting therapy. This ensures that even if the tumour shrinks significantly or becomes invisible, we can still accurately locate and remove the tumour bed. The SCOUT reflector remains unaffected by chemotherapy and stays in place for months if needed.
Q: How does the ability of the SCOUT reflector to remain undetected in imaging studies impact a patient’s ongoing care and monitoring?
A: The SCOUT reflector does not significantly interfere with imaging studies like MRI. Unlike metal clips that cause large artifacts on MRIs, the SCOUT reflector creates minimal interference, allowing for accurate monitoring of the tumour’s response to chemotherapy.
Q: What prompted you to introduce the SCOUT system to the hospital?
A: The main motivation was to improve patient outcomes and surgical efficiency. The traditional wire localization method has significant limitations, including patient discomfort and logistical challenges. The SCOUT system offers a more comfortable experience for patients, greater accuracy in locating tumours, and better utilisation of operating room time. Embracing this new technology was a straightforward decision to enhance patient care.
Mr Jose Cid Fernandez
Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
LMS FRCS (Gen Surg) DM FRACS
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For specific medical guidance, please consult your healthcare provider.
If you want more information on the SCOUT Localization system, please ask your surgeon or your treating team. They can provide detailed insights and answer any specific questions you may have about this innovative technology and how it may benefit your treatment plan. Your healthcare team is always the best resource for personalized and up-to-date information.
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Breast Cancer Research Center – WA aims to support and educate breast cancer patients. For a specific pamphlet, ask our staff at your next appointment or download it from our website.