Englewood Health is the first hospital in northern New Jersey to offer patients access to a device that detects and treats precancerous anal lesions, significantly reducing the risk of anal cancer.
The installment of the THD HRStation is just one of 80 in the U.S., and is the first and only designed specifically for the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions of the anus. The THD HRStation supplies high-resolution videos and images of the anal canal to detect dysplasia, abnormal changes in the cells lining the canal that, if left untreated, can progress into anal cancer.
After detecting anal dysplasia, the system allows physicians to treat the lesions immediately by cauterizing and thermally closing the blood vessels connected to them, thereby preventing their progression into cancer.
A colorectal surgeon at Englewood Hospital, Peter Kaye, noted the incredible innovation.
“This technology allows us to provide immediate and effective treatment, significantly reducing the risk of progression to anal cancer,” said Kaye. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, offering our patients the highest standard of care.”
Kaye also said certain individuals could be more at risk.
“Screening for anal dysplasia is recommended for individuals at higher risk of anal cancer, including those with HIV or HPV, men who have sex with men, women with history of cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer, transgender individuals (especially transgender women), and individuals with a history of anal warts,” he said.
This also ties in with the efforts of reducing health inequality, according to Anita Ramsetty, director of health equity at Englewood Health.
“We want to get the word out to everyone, but especially those disproportionately affected, including some members of our LGBTQ+ community,” Ramsetty said. “By providing this service at the highest level of care, we can make strides in reducing health disparities we see in our diverse communities.”
