“It’s Probably Nothing…” Until It Isn’t: A Smarter Approach to Lumps, Bumps & Cancer Screening

Dermal and subcutaneous tumours account for nearly a third of canine cases presented in practice, yet fewer than 40% of masses are ever sampled. This diagnostic gap can lead to delayed diagnosis, postponed treatment, and ultimately poorer patient outcomes.

In everyday practice, this leaves clinicians facing difficult decisions with limited evidence. In this talk, we introduce VISTA iQ, a non-invasive screening tool that uses Heat Diffusion Imaging technology to help remove barriers to investigation and lower the entry point to the diagnostic pathway. By enabling clinicians to assess more masses quickly and easily, it supports earlier clinical decision-making and improved outcomes for patients.

We will explore the practical application of VISTA iQ, including clinical results and recommendations for use in practice. The technology provides clear, actionable guidance on when tissue sampling is recommended and when monitoring may be appropriate, supporting confident decision-making, reassuring owners, and facilitating earlier intervention when needed.

Through real clinical cases and discussion, we will demonstrate how VISTA iQ can support better patient outcomes while integrating seamlessly into practice workflows- bringing the next generation of non-invasive, AI-powered cancer screening into everyday veterinary care.

• 1- Recognise the diagnostic gap in the assessment of dermal and subcutaneous masses in general veterinary practice.
• 2- Understand the principles of Heat Diffusion Imaging and the technology behind the VISTA iQ scanner.
• 3- Interpret VISTA iQ outcome categories and apply them to evidence-based clinical decision-making for lump investigation.
• 4- Evaluate clinical case examples demonstrating how earlier screening and intervention can improve patient outcomes and client reassurance.
• 5- Identify the potential benefits of VISTA iQ for practice workflow, clinical confidence, and practice growth.