Being operated to remove a cancerous tumor is the sort of experience you would not wish on anyone. What makes it worse is the fact that sometimes the surgeon may miss removing the entire tissue and some may be left behind inside the body. This will eventually lead to a return of cancer as the cells of the contaminated tissue begin to multiply.

Now a new pen like device which has been nick named the MasSpec Pen may prevent this from happening to cancer patients. The small tool draws up molecules from the tissue of the patient during surgery to identify cancerous cells. This is done by identifying specific molecules known as metabolites.

The device is linked to a monitor which allows the surgeon to see if the tissue being tested is normal or cancerous. This ability to detect cancerous tissue in seconds allows the surgeon to remove all the affected portion along with the tumor. Naturally reducing the chance of the patient having a relapse at a later date.

The MasSpec Pen designed by University of Texas researchers has been able to help 253 patients with an accuracy of 96%. It’s ability to detect cancer cells is about a hundred and fifty times faster than existing technology. This is one science project that will have a huge impact on cancer health care.