Nancy Barton, who had previously fought cancer, found herself battling lung cancer with a renewed sense of fear and concern for her grandchildren. Under the care of Dr. Ryan Levy and Dr. Nicholas Baker, Barton underwent surgery that utilized an injectable dye to illuminate cancer spots on her lungs.
The groundbreaking technology allowed the surgeons to precisely identify and remove the cancer cells without needing to remove large portions of her lungs. Three months post-surgery, Barton is grateful for the quality of life she now enjoys. The doctors involved in Barton’s surgery likened the process to finding a marble in a large car wash sponge, highlighting how the dye made detection and removal of the cancer cells much more efficient.
Barton hopes that her experience will encourage others facing cancer diagnoses to explore all available treatment options and to remain hopeful in their journeys. Unfortunately, in many cases, cancer cells remain after surgery, allowing tumors to potentially regrow. However, thanks to new technology like this one at UPMC Passavant Hospital, patients like Barton can have a better chance at beating their cancer and enjoying a higher quality of life after treatment.