Oncologic Imaging

The key to good management of cancer cells lies in accurate diagnosis, staging and follow-up so that treatment is tailored according to the patient’s need. Imaging complements clinical evaluation in the management of cancer.

In Oncologic Imaging, sub-specialty knowledge in a particular body region is necessary. One has also to be familiar with the expected biological behaviour of the different cancers and the expected imaging appearance after any particular treatment. Our team of consultant radiologists are involved regularly in multidisciplinary tumour board discussions and they are well equipped to handle the complexities of cancer imaging.

The applications of Oncologic Imaging include:

• Screening for early cancer: For example, the use of mammograms in the detection of breast cancer.
• Diagnosing and staging the cancer: Imaging the extent (stage) of the cancer to see how advanced it is and if it is spread to other organs as well as to see its relation to important adjacent structures such as blood vessels or nerves. This is of importance in determining the appropriate treatment modality. Imaging may also be useful in guiding procedures such as performing a biopsy (taking a small amount of the mass/tumour for histological analysis) to help confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
• Guiding treatment: Imaging helps to show the exact extent of the tumour so as to direct treatment to the area of interest whilst minimizing the side-effects of treatment to the surrounding normal structures/organs e.g. to aid radiotherapy planning and treatment. It can also guide vascular access (central lines and implantable ports) for patients who may require chemotherapy as well as guide minimally invasive treatment of some tumours e.g. in radiofrequency ablation.
• Monitoring tumour response: CT or MRI scans are often performed at regular intervals in the course of treatment to see if there is tumour response/shrinkage with treatment.
• Monitoring for cancer recurrence: Imaging can be used to see if a previously treated cancer has recurred.

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