Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson) are developing a hand-held photoacoustic imaging probe to be used during breast conserving surgery to quickly and accurately verify if all cancerous tissue has been removed.

Surgeons currently do not have real-time technology to guide tumour removal during surgery.

Using current tools, there is a 20 per cent chance that cancerous cells will be left behind, risking recurrence and repeat surgery.