Diagnostics

Cancer may be difficult to detect, but for some types of cancer, the earlier it is detected, the better are the chances of treating it effectively. Imaging techniques – methods of producing pictures of the body – have become an important element of early detection for many cancers. But imaging is not simply used for detection. Imaging is also important for determining the stage (telling how advanced the cancer is) and the precise locations of cancer to aid in directing surgery and other cancer treatments, or to check if a cancer has returned.

Radiology and Imaging Technologies have been integrated for detection, diagnosis and treatment. The range of specialised radiological and imaging services includes:

• Asia's first Symbia Truepoint SPECT CT integrates the functional sensitivity of a SPECT Gamma Camera System with the detailed anatomical information provided by a 6-slice CT system for enhanced tumour detection. SPECT also uses specific isotopes like I131 Octreotide or MIBG to localise small atypical malignancies like Neuroendocrine tumours.
• The 64-Slice CT scanner is capable of producing high-resolution scans within very short scanning time with the data reconstructed in various planes to produce 3D images with surface rendering, virtual colonoscopy, angiography and cardiac coronary vessels. The CT scanner is also used in guiding radiotherapy, needle biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures.
• The PET/CT integrates the sensitivity of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) with detailed anatomical information provided by a multi-slice CT system for enhanced tumour detection. The PET scan is a diagnostic nuclear medicine technique. PET/CT has become an integral part in the management of lung, colorectal, head and neck, breast, oesophageal and uterine cancers, lymphomas and melanomas, and is helpful in certain types of gastric, hepatobiliary, ovarian, pancreatic and renal malignancies.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology uses a strong magnetic field and radiowaves to provide clear and detailed diagnostic images, which in certain areas of the body, are superior to other imaging methods. In cancer imaging, it is especially good for the brain and spinal cord as well as the liver.
• Interventional Radiological Services involves highly specialised, minimally invasive and highly targeted treatment modalities performed by specially trained radiologists who use image guidance such as CT scans, ultrasounds and angiography, without having to perform surgery. Some treatment modalities for patients with cancer include:
  • Chemoembolisation of liver tumours which involves the use of a tiny tube called a catheter to deliver the drugs directly into the artery supplying the tumour and then to block the blood supply to the tumour;
  • Radiofrequency ablation, which involves the use of a special needle-like electrode which is inserted, under image guidance, into a tumour through the skin to heat up and kill the tumour by electricity supplied at the frequency of radio waves;
  • Image-guided venous access for long term chemotherapy; and
  • Image-guided fine needle biopsies.
• The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System is a special method which removes tiny abnormalities detected on mammography or ultrasound of the breast, called microcalcifications that can be the earliest sign of cancer. The procedure is fast, causes little pain, and requires no sutures. The suspicious microcalcifications are removed through special needles. Stereotactic (X-rays from two angles) guidance or ultrasound guidance is used to the guide the Mammotome probe for very accurate tissue sampling.