Early detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions may become an easier task with a novel colposcopy technology that delivers an intuitive map of the changes detected in a woman’s cervix.
The new technology, called DYSIS Advanced Cervical Imaging, can enhance doctors’ ability to diagnose and manage cervical neoplasia and precancerous cells, and helps women understand their colposcopy exam through easy-to-read color-coded maps of the cervix.
Arizona Oncology, whose physicians and staff treat patients in 14 communities in the state, is likely the first medical group in Arizona to use this technology.
When a women has an abnormal Pap test, she needs to undergo colposcopy so that her doctor can visually identify the abnormal tissue and decide where to collect a biopsy. This test has remained unchanged for decades and usually relies on the manual assessment of regions of increased proliferation. This is achieved through the application of an acetic acid solution in the cervix; regions that turn white have increased cellular protein and nuclear density.
DYSIS has improved this technique by using an advanced digital colposcope that measures aceto-whitening automatically, producing the DYSISmap, and overlaps it with a live image of the cervix. This assists the clinician in identifying pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis, biopsy, and treatment, if required.
In addition, the technique also helps women feel engaged in their healthcare, by providing high-resolution maps of the cervix that are easy to read.
“The new DYSIS technology helps us better pinpoint questionable areas on the cervix that may need biopsy,” Dr. Mike Janicek, gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, said in a press release. “We can share images and the color-coded maps with women in real time immediately following the exam. We can provide color digital or paper copies of the exam images for patients and their referring providers. Our goal is have our patients feel reassured and involved in their healthcare when having a DYSIS colposcopy exam, and referring doctors can feel more involved in the evaluation process as well.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, hundreds of senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, local health and service organizations, schools, and other community locations will host activities for National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. This is the largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages that encourages women to take control of their health and collect information that helps them make more accurate decisions regarding their health.
“By standardizing the currently subjective colposcopy procedure, we can help improve care for women and help them take control of their health,” said Kim Stebbings, U.S. president of DYSIS Medical.