New scopes improve cancer checks at hospital

A throat cancer patient has praised new equipment at Salisbury District Hospital for making an uncomfortable procedure more bearable for patients.

Peter Russell, 67, from Maiden Bradley, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in November 2019 after discovering a lump in his throat.

Since then, he has undergone monthly check-ups using videoscopes to monitor his condition - a procedure he once described as feeling like going "a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson".

With funding from the Stars Appeal, the hospital's charity, six new videoscopes which cut appointment times have been purchased at a cost of £115,000.

These devices allow for quicker and more comfortable diagnoses for patients with suspected head and neck cancers.

Since their introduction in September, more than 1,600 patients referred with suspected head and neck cancers have benefitted from their use.

Mr Russell said: "I am well used to this unpleasant procedure, but the new cameras make it so much more comfortable. For new patients, they will significantly reduce the fear of having it done."

He added: "The new cameras made the procedure so much easier to manage. Sometimes it used to feel like being punched in the nose."

The upgraded scopes also offer doctors much clearer images, helping them to detect changes in patients over time.

This is particularly important for people like Mr Russell, whose cancer has been persistent and unpredictable.

"The unique nature of my cancer meant it kept coming and going. This equipment is really important because doctors can now see subtle changes that may signal something's happening," he explained.

The scopes are part of a new 'one-stop' diagnostic service led by the hospital's Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Maxillofacial teams.

Patients can now receive assessments in a single visit, instead of attending multiple departments.

ENT consultant Mr Kostas Marinakis said the new equipment has had a major impact.

"The superior image quality gives us the best chance of detecting early cancers and significantly improves the comfort of the procedure.

"We're extremely grateful to the Stars Appeal supporters for making this possible."

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