A SOUTHEND Hospital doctor removed a cancerous tumour in just 30 minutes as a groundbreaking procedure was carried out for the first time ever.

Consultant radiologist Dr Taghreed Toma used an innovative technique called vacuum assisted excision to treat a malignant breast tumour. It was the first time the non-surgical procedure has been used for a case of its kind - not just at Southend Hospital, but in the world.

The procedure is usually completed under local anaesthetic meaning the patient is awake the whole time. A needle is inserted into the breast and it involves small amounts of tissue being sucked away through a needle repeatedly, until the lumps are gone.

Ultrasound or mammogram images are used to monitor the procedure, ensuring the radiologist knows when the lumps are all gone.

Dr Toma said health complications meant general anaesthetic was not suitable for the patient in question.

She said: “Traditionally, benign lesions of the breast were treated with surgery under general anaesthesia but my patient had additional conditions that meant it would be difficult to treat that way.

“Since 2005 I have been performing vacuum assisted excision at the hospital, but only for benign lesions.

“As guidelines developed and improved to include other lesions, we felt the procedure was ideal for this particular case as the patient had a 5mm cancer and we didn’t want to risk general anaesthetic with her.

“It meant that the patient could come here to the breast clinic to have the procedure and be sent home within 30 minutes.”

The procedure has significant benefits to the patient as it’s far less invasive, with a needle puncture of the skin instead of surgery.

The patient is able to return home immediately following the short procedure and can resume their normal life and activities straight away - which in turn has the added benefits of freeing up resources and beds at the hospital.

Samuel James, clinical services manager at Southend Hospital, said: “Dr Toma is an asset to the Breast Unit as she is always looking to improve patient pathways and treatment outcomes.

“I feel proud to work with such an excellent clinician. We are constantly looking at innovative new ways to improve patient care.”