Breast cancer wound imaging: evaluation of the cross-localisation method
Xin Peng1, Huizi Zhao2, Chufeng Lv3
1MD, Head Nurse, Department of Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Objective:
Wound image acquisition has been widely used in wound care; however, there are few reports on scientifically accurate technology in wound image acquisition for wound evaluation. This study compared the effectiveness of a cross-localisation method with a direct photographic method for image acquisition of breast cancer wounds.
Method:
The wounds of eligible patients were assessed by direct measurement, direct photography, and by a cross-localisation method using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) with 13 items. After four months, the wound images were re-evaluated and re-recorded for consistency assessment.
Results:
The experimental cohort comprised 150 patients. The consistency of the total BWAT score between the direct photograph acquisition and direct measurement methods was poor (Kappa=0.375). Only wound size, induration and exudate type presented general consistency. There was a good consistency between the cross-localisation image method and the direct measurement method (Kappa=0.786). The wound size, depth, oedema, induration and granulation tissue demonstrated complete consistency between the direct measurement and cross-localisation methods (Kappa=1.000).
Conclusion:
Wound imaging using direct photography does not present the wound characteristics with complete clarity; however cross-localisation with an objective reference showed optimal performance in this study. The cross-localisation method can provide more specific and accurate wound evaluation.
