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Expertise in Diagnosis and Staging Cancers in Dhakuria

Expertise in Diagnosis and Staging Cancers

Early Detection Of Cancer Centre in Dhakuria

In Hemato-oncology, expertise in cancer diagnosis and staging is essential for assessing the severity of the illness and knowing the type and characteristics of the cancer, which guide therapy choices. Surgical pathologists are the experts when it comes to diagnosing tumours. This aids medical professionals in creating the best possible treatment plan and determining the prognosis. It is critical to provide a precise, specific, and sufficiently detailed diagnosis. Because of the tremendous advances in oncology, detailed diagnostic information is needed to understand each patient's particular cancer needs. This in turn helps in determining the most appropriate classification for research, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention, providing personalised treatment. 

One approach to characterising ‌malignancy is by staging. The stage of cancer indicates its exact location, size, and extent of growth into surrounding tissues. It also indicates whether the cancer has progressed to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Doctors may use imaging scans, physical examinations, and other testing to establish the stage of a malignancy before initiating treatment. This procedure often makes use of well-known staging systems, such as the Ann Arbor staging system for lymphomas, or more specialised systems, like the TNM classification for solid tumours.

At Manipal Hospitals in Dhakuria, we offer precise staging, which is critical for therapeutic decision-making, promoting team communication, and providing patients with critical prognostic information needed for well-informed choices and customised care plans. If you are looking for the best Early Detection Of Cancer Centre in Dhakuria, you need to visit Manipal Hospitals. 

FAQ's

The blood cancer care team will perform tests to determine the kind and stage of your blood cancer. Staging and diagnosis often take place simultaneously.

The tests and procedures listed below can be used to diagnose blood cancer: 

  • Blood examinations

  • Bone marrow examinations

  • Imaging examinations, such as X-rays, PET, and CT scans

  • Physical examination

  • Surgical excision of lymph nodes (for staging purposes)

Before doing anything further, your doctor will probably schedule a physical examination, during which they will feel or check for enlarged lymph nodes as well as enlargement in the liver or spleen. Additionally, they might inspect the skin, looking for any rashes and any indications of easy bleeding or bruising. The doctor may examine your reflexes, balance, and sense of touch to evaluate your nervous system. During a physical examination, haematologists and nurses will also enquire about the signs and symptoms you are experiencing, like:

  • How long have they been taking place?

  • History of cancer in both the family and personally

  • Prior chemical exposure

  • If you currently smoke or have a habit of smoking before

A precise diagnosis of this complicated condition requires blood testing. These tests can determine if you have abnormal amounts of normal cells or cancerous cells.

  • Blood smear: This test involves microscopically examining a drop of blood. Skilled pathologists are medical professionals who specialise in identifying illnesses from samples of blood or tissue and evaluating the appearance of the cells. Certain changes in its appearance may indicate cancer cells.

  • A complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count (CBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

  • Differential diagnosis: The number of each type of white blood cell in your blood is counted during a differential blood test (diff). Moreover, it can identify abnormal cells. 

  • Flow cytometry: This blood test can determine the different cell types found in bone marrow or blood. Important details on the quantity of DNA present in the cells and the rate at which leukaemia is spreading can also be obtained from it.

  • Additional blood tests: Additionally, blood testing can also measure the health of organs such as the liver. This can aid in determining whether cancer has progressed to certain body regions.

Some of the imaging tests used for blood cancer diagnosis include: 

Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan: Offers thorough cross-sectional views of the body, aiding in the detection of enlarged lymph nodes or organs that may be indicative of cancer.

  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: This high-sensitivity scan uses radioactive material to highlight areas that contain cancer cells. Often paired with CT scans to provide a more thorough evaluation.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: This technique uses radiofrequency and magnetic forces to create detailed images that help identify the presence of cancer within organs and structures.

  • Ultrasound: Produces images by reflecting sound waves off organs. It is useful for examining areas such as the liver or spleen for cancerous growths.

Staging aids in a doctor's treatment planning. This could entail deciding on the kind of surgery and whether to provide Radiation or Chemotherapy. Understanding the cancer stage enables your healthcare team to discuss your diagnosis. Doctors can also use stages to:

  • Recognise the possibility that, following the initial course of treatment, the cancer may return or spread

  • Help in predicting the prognosis or the possibility of recovery

  • Identify the cancer clinical trials that you could be eligible for

  • Check the efficacy of a treatment.

  • Examine the efficacy of novel treatments 

Although there are many alternative staging methods for cancer, the TNM system is the most widely used and practical staging system for most cancer types. In the TNM system, letters or numbers, which are then used to establish the overall stage, describe the tumour (T), node (N), and metastasis (M) categories of the cancer.

  • T explains the initial (primary) tumour

  • N indicates if the malignancy has affected any neighbouring lymph nodes

  • M indicates if the cancer has metastasised or moved to other areas of the body

The staging of cancers is represented as: 

  • Stage 0: It indicates the absence of cancer and the presence of abnormal cells that may develop into cancer.

  • Stage I: This denotes a small-scale, localised cancer.

  • Stages II and III: This indicates an advanced stage of the malignancy that has spread to neighbouring tissues or lymph nodes.

  • Stage IV: When cancer is present, it has spread to other parts of the body.