The first hospital to offer the Magseed technology for more accurate detection and removal of breast lumps and lesions

Dubai, UAE, 22 November 2017:  Medcare Women and Children hospital has introduced the most advanced technology for the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous breast tumours and lesions in the Middle East. The precision offered by the Magseed system will enable a safer, faster and more comfortable patient experience. 

The increased awareness about breast cancer and mammographic screening has led to more frequent detection of breast lesions (tissue which has suffered damage through injury or disease) and lumps. In many cases, a lesion is not easily visible or detectable for targeted treatment. Therefore, the key to successful management of these non- detectable lesions is having an accurate location of the damaged or diseased tissue. 

Magseed® is a minimally invasive medical technology used to accurately guide surgeons during breast cancer or tumour removal. It offers a simpler, more effective alternative to current treatment options. The technology involves the injection of a magnetic seed inside the breast lesion. During the surgery for removal of the lump or lesion, the presence of the seed is revealed by a probe (a surgical device) that can feel the variation of magnetic waves and guide the surgeon exactly where the breast lesion or lump exists. 

There are two currently used methods for treating breast lesions or lumps. The first is a ‘wire localization’ procedure where a wire is inserted into the tumor and serves as a road map for the breast surgeon to remove the diseased tissue. Wires can move or be dislodged, causing extreme discomfort for the patient. The second procedure involves the injection of a radiotracer (a radioactive tracer into the breast). The lump or lesion removal surgery is guided by a probe that reveals the radioactivity in the lump with the help of the radiotracer. This procedure involves an elaborate preparation process. A hospital can only offer this if they have a nuclear medicine department available for the safe storage and injection of the radioactive tracer. High precautions need to be taken to avoid exposure of radioactive material for the surgeon, staff and patient. 

Dr. Simonetta Monti, Specialist Breast Surgeon at Medcare Women and Children Hospital explained, “Magseed is an excellent technique, offering a valid alternative solution for patients, without the safety and regulatory concerns associated with radioactive exposure or complications associated with traditional wire systems. Magseed is smaller than a grain of rice and is easier to deploy and locate. The clarity of imaging provided by the system enables confident and efficient placement of the seed within the breast lesion, and ease of location during surgery. A magnetic probe detects the Magseed, guiding the surgeon to the tumor with precision. As a result, this technique can be performed rapidly, allowing more patients to benefit from treatment.” 

This advanced, non-radioactive technology provides reassurance for clinicians and a more comfortable experience for patients.