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Cancer patients in Bristol are to benefit from one of the highest specification cameras in the UK.
The GBP 750,000 Siemens scanner – unveiled by actor Charles Dance – takes computed tomography (CT) pictures of the structures of a patient’s body. It can also pick up traces of mildly radioactive substances in areas of the body where cells are more active than normal – known as single proton emission computed tomography (SPECT).
By combining these two sets of images in a 3D format it allows doctors at Bristol Royal Infirmary to see any changes in the activity of cells and to identify exactly where the changes are happening in the body.
The scans help to diagnose specific cancers, show whether the tumour has spread to other parts of the body and help doctors decide on the best treatment.
During his visit to the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Mr Dance also visited the mobile positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) scanner. The imaging service complements the SPECT/CT scanner by assessing a wide range of cancers.
Dr Graham Rich, chief executive of the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The scanners are leaders in their field and we have invested in this advanced technology as part of our strategy to develop as a world class specialist and cancer centre.”
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