Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background Near infrared imaging, also known as Thermography is an imaging that uses infrared to detect the temperature of the tissues. This works on the basis that the tumour cells generate a higher metabolic rate, which results in a higher blood flow. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of thermography in detection of breast cancer, mainly being non invasive and cost effective. The aim of this study is to explore if thermal imaging can be used for the mapping the abdominal wall tumours in advanced stage gynaecological cancer.
Methodology This is a pilot novel prospective cohort study that was conducted in a tertiary cancer centre in London between September 2022 and March 2023. It was registered as a quality improvement project and has been approved by the audit lead. The patients were consented for the anonymized use of thermal images while in surgery. Consent forms were obtained and imaging done as per the Trust policy. No data was transferred or stored outside the trust. Inclusion criteria included patients with a malignant tumour on imaging or biopsy. Patients with class III obesity were excluded from the study. Images of the abdominal wall were taken prior to skin incision, using FLIR ONE thermal camera (FLIR Systems ®). The temperature and colour difference in the diseased areas were recorded. The results were corelated to intraoperative and histological findings.
Results Seventeen patients were included in this pilot study. Twelve patients had an advanced stage disease (Stage two or higher) at the time of the surgery, of which nine had a positive detection on thermography. Detection rate was 100% for abdominal wall and hernial sac tumours.
Conclusion Thermal cameras can be used for the surface mapping of various gynaecological tumours, prior to surgical interventions. However, randomized controlled studies are needed to validate our findings.
Disclosures Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to validate the findings of our pilot study. We would recommend the use of a high resolution camera.