More than 100 breast cancer patients across Melbourne’s west have been among the first public patients in Australia to benefit from innovative technology that streamlines the surgical removal of hard-to-feel tumours.
A new insertable device called Scout has enhanced the precision of breast cancer surgery, as well as reduced the number of invasive procedures and level of discomfort on the day of surgery for patients.
Sunshine Hospital became the first public hospital in Victoria to introduce Scout using ultrasound and mammogram in late 2023, in a joint initiative between our Breast Surgery and Medical Imaging teams. And then in late 2024, we became the first public hospital in Australia to offer MRI-guided Scout placement, which further enhances accuracy.
Scout is a tiny reflector that can be directly inserted into small, hard-to-feel breast tumours. The insertion is performed by radiologists in the Medical Imaging department, using ultrasound, mammogram or MRI technology.
Once inserted, the device emits a radar signal that is easily detectable by a hand-held device during surgery. In pinpointing the precise location of the tumour for the surgeon, it improves accuracy of the procedure, and therefore outcomes for patients.
Breast surgeon Dr Sophie Nightingale, who led the introduction of Scout to Western Health with breast radiologist Dr Joseph Paiva and Surgical Reform Manager Richard Grygiel, said Scout had many benefits for patients. 
Most significantly, the Scout method has eliminated the need to insert a fine metal wire into the breast tumour prior to surgery.
“Traditional hookwire localisation requires multiple procedures on the day of surgery and can be uncomfortable for patients,” Dr Nightingale said.
“Wires can also move because part of the wire remains outside of the breast. This does not happen with the Scout reflectors. The localisation is more precise now.”
Dr Nightingale said Scout was of particular benefit when pre-surgery chemotherapy has been successful in reducing the size of tumours.
“Many patients now have chemotherapy before surgery, because there is better survival, so cancers are shrinking, or even disappearing, with treatment so Scout is more useful than ever,” she said.
“It can be placed before chemotherapy starts, so no extra procedures are required before surgery.
“So far, the patients have all been very happy with the new technology, and we haven’t had any instances where the localisation has failed.”
Richard Grygiel added: “Scout offers greater flexibility, as it can be placed at any time before surgery, reducing the need for rushed procedures and potential delays on the day of surgery”.
Since Scout was introduced at Sunshine Hospital in October 2023, more than 110 Scout procedures have been performed (combination of mammogram, ultrasound and MRI).
Dr Joseph Paiva, Director of Breast Imaging, said the addition of MRI capabilities last December further enhanced the care and expertise Western Health can provide for breast cancer patients.
“This ground-breaking approach enables the precise localisation of breast cancers that are only visible on MRI scans, providing optimal care for complex patients” he said.
Among the first patients to benefit from this technology is Sidia Said, who works at the retail pharmacy at Sunshine Hospital.
Sidia was diagnosed with breast cancer in November – 23 years after her first diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
Sidia’s Scout was inserted at Sunshine Hospital on December 27, and she is scheduled for breast surgery later this month.
“It was amazing – I was in and out in about half an hour,” Sidia said. “I am a strong woman, but I didn’t even feel any pressing (as the device was inserted under anaesthetic).”
Sunshine’s Theatre Nurse Unit Manager Paul Buso said this is a common response among patients.
“We have had many positive comments,” Mr Buso said. “Patients speak about the insertion of the Scout as an easy process and feel that having it inserted prior to the day of surgery made the operation more comfortable.”
Warren Gooch, Sunshine Radiology Nurse Unit Manager said: “It’s so much better for our patients. It’s a great step forward. Scout has simplified the day of surgery for all parties.”
