WEB DESK: Scientists and experts are working to treat and eliminate cancer for years. Many innovations have taken place in their progress. And, now they have come up with another advance idea. 

At the University of Texas (Austin), scientists have developed a 'pen' shaped tool which would detect cancerous tissues in just 10 seconds.

This innovative tool is named as MasSpec Pen. Science Translational Medicine claims, it will identify cancer faster than existing technology. Today, it is diagnosed via process called Frozen Section Analysis. In the procedure, each sample requires a pathologist 30 minutes or sometimes more to be done. It is not just time taking but it might increase the risk of infection and negative effects of anesthesia.

Moreover, it is said that Frozen Section Analysis doesn't identify all types of cancers. Whereas, the MasSpec pen would be able to give precise diagnostic information about cancer cells. Also, it might improve treatment and limit the probability of cancer recurrence. Medical Express adds here,"the MasSpec Pen was more than 96 percent accurate in 253 human cancer patient trials. The technology was also able to detect cancer in marginal regions between normal and cancer tissues that presented mixed cellular composition."

Further, the tool functions by mingling the fields of medicine, chemistry and engineering. It is pertinent here to mention that all living cells in human body generate tiny molecules which are called metabolites whether these cells are cancerous or not. And a unique kind of metabolites produce by each type of cancer that serve as 'fingerprints.' Moreover, this advance 'pen' takes a molecular fingerprint of the tissue with any damage.

The expert while detection will simple hold this pen against the patient's tissue. Later, the pen will leave a drop of water onto the tissue which enable molecules to proceed into the water. Lastly, this water sample will be compared to other molecular fingerprints to identify any cancerous cells from lung, thyroid, and ovary. And, on the computer screen, words - 'Normal' to 'Cancer' will appear to finalize whether cancer is found or not.

Also, the testing of such useful invention is expected to begin in 2018.

Source: Reader's Digest