Better Tools for Women: Serving Local Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical patients require a mirror to view anatomy between doctor visits. Existing mirrors have inadequate light and magnification, limit available free hands, or require another individual’s assistance. Skin lesion size is tracked over time to record advances in healing or disease progression. Current options are inadequate for cutaneous lesion documentation. Parkview Cancer Institute asked me to develop a better self-examination tool for cervical patients. The new device may be used by all women for wellness checks. Materials and Methods: A hands free illuminated cleanable mirror with magnification was designed after anthropometric and regulatory review. Device performance was established by comparing user measurements of 3D printed simulated lesions with a ruler against their actual value. Simple shapes ensured the user knew the required points of measurement, testing only the user’s ability to accurately measure lesions and not identification. The user was provided a hand-held flat mirror (1X magnification) or a curved hands-free mirror (7X magnification). Results: Absolute measurement error of simulated lesions (n=56) was reduced by 47.1% when using a hands-free magnified mirror. Improvements were seen in all measurements: The user was more likely to significantly misread the ruler or struggle to see some lesions while using a flat mirror. Conclusion: Providing magnification and two free hands enables the patient to measure lesions with less absolute error. Additional testing will be done immediately to optimize functionality to better serve the most women. Far beyond using this semester long project as a learning experience, I strive to see this device impact the community by making a product that is functional, manufacturable, and affordable.