Categories: Sci/Tech

Cytosponge, May Soon Replace Endoscopy for Detecting Oesophageal Cancer

A better way in detecting esophageal cancer. Watch how this Cytosponge capsule does its magic.

Esophageal Cancer or Oesophageal Cancer is a cancer that comes out at the esophagus or the food pipe that connects the throat and stomach.

At present, endoscopy is the procedure done to diagnose this disease. Endoscopy is done by passing a flexible tube with light and camera to inspect the walls of the esophagus.

This procedure is most of the time uncomfortable because of the process how the scope is surveying the esophageal wall. Patients needs anesthesia for the procedure and others prefer to be sedated due to anxiety.

Cytosponge is a capsule made to diagnose oesophageal cancer and may soon replace Endoscopy

Source: Cambridge University via Youtube

A new procedure called Cytosponge is currently under study to better detect Esophageal Cancer. As shown in the video below, this procedure requires the patient to swallow a capsule with a string attached. The capsule then dissolves in 5 minutes and releases the sponge. After the release of the sponge, it will be pulled out slowly.

This tiny sponge is placed inside the capsule, after a few minutes it will be pulled out via string attached to it to be used for cell testing.

Source: Cambridge University via Youtube

The process of it passing along the esophagus would collect sample cells that would be used to detect cancer cells. This procedure is fast and easy. It does not need anesthesia and causes less discomfort compared with endoscopy. It also has a higher chance of contact with the cancer cell since the shape and size of the sponge reaches all sides of the esophageal wall. Currently this procedure was successfully tested with over 2000 patients. Researchers hope to have more tests before producing a lot of this item.

Watch How Cytosponge Works:

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The procedure is swift and contemporary as seen in the video. This new innovation hopefully would give better and more accurate results in the future. People will definitely love this once this comes out in the market.

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