Recent advancements in the Biomedical field have included a pill that can be swallowed to detect cancer. Inside this pill, there is a sponge-like object that expands as it goes inside your body. As it expands, it collects cells from inside your esophagus/gullet and when the sample is collected, a string attached to the sponge is used to pull it out. This method is more effective than other methods of detecting esophageal cancer, because it is able to collect more cells in a larger area in your esophagus. A biopsy (a type of procedure used to detect cancer), only uses a small area to detect cancer, and may not be as accurate. In addition, because this pill method is more effective at detecting cancer, it can help catch oesophageal cancer earlier so that treatment can start sooner. Oesophageal cancer is difficult to treat if not caught early enough, and it begins when cells in your esophagus begins to multiply and change shape, which can eventually spread to your stomach. Thus, this new treatment can help catch signs of cancer earlier, especially in those with Barrett's oesophagus (a condition that makes people more prone to Oesophageal cancer).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11751447/Pill-on-a-string-can-detect-cancer-without-need-for-biopsy.html
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