What is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis for cancer?

Cancer is one of the deadliest medical conditions that proves fatal, when not treated promptly. However, the right diagnosis of cancer on time can have a crucial role in curing it in early stages. One must not ignore the initial signs of cancer and visit the doctor immediately to get precise treatment. The doctor may suggest certain tests and examinations like PET CT Scan in Mohali that simplify the screening of cancer. Undergoing screening examinations can prove life-saving in many cases where the condition has just started. 

Noticing the signs

The signs and symptoms vary for different cancers but one must take things lightly and ignore any of them. 

These signs and symptoms highlight the urgent need to undergo screening. 

1. Difficulty in breathing & fatigue
2. Unexpected weight gain or loss 
3. Difficulty in swallowing 
4. Indigestion problems 
5. Fever and sweating 
6. Lumps in the skin 
7. Changes in the skin color 
8. Hoarseness in voice 
9. Joint and muscle pain 
10. Bruising and bleeding 
11. Non-healing sores 

Diagnosing the presence of cancer 

One cannot rely on a single test for the accurate diagnosis of cancer and must undergo a thorough evaluation followed by a PET Scan in Mohali. The doctors usually ask for the medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate the condition. This allows them to get a clear idea of the body condition and whether they need to suggest more tests and scans for diagnosis. 

The various screening procedures confirm cancerous cells' presence and if they are actively spreading to other parts. 

The procedures involved in cancer diagnosis may include laboratory tests, biopsy of the tissue, genetic testing, imaging scans, and endoscopic examination. 

Laboratory tests for cancer diagnosis

There are a number of laboratory tests that doctors suggest for cancer diagnosis because they have a crucial role in cancer detection. The values of these lab tests may help confirm the presence of tumor cells and if there is a need to take the examinations one step ahead. The laboratory tests given below are usually suggested but they are not the only source for confirming cancer detection.

1. Complete blood count 
2. Urine analysis 
3. Tumor markers 

Imaging scans 

The emergence of new equipment and technology has made cancer detection easy while helping in treatment planning. Imaging scans like PET CT in Chandigarh help to show the images of the internal body structures and their current state, if detected with tumor cells. 

The imaging scans not only help identify any abnormalities but also cancerous tumors. These scans can help the doctor locate the position of tumor cells and the kind of treatment that will treat the same. 

There are 3 types of imaging scans which doctors suggest- reflection, transmission, and emission imaging.

PET-CT Scan

The recommendation of PET CT scans help simplify cancer screening process as they provide relevant information on the disease. While the CT scan reveals a 3-D picture, the PET scan tells the position of tumor cells through the radioactive tracer used in the process. These scans do not require hospitalization as performed on an outpatient basis and take mostly 1 hour. 

The need for PET-CT Scan 

PET-CT scan in Chandigarh is very important in cancer screening procedures to reveal the affected areas. 

A combination of both these scans help to know this to know the disease status better and plan treatment accordingly. These scans have multiple uses, as enlisted below, but all of them are critical in diagnosis & treatment. 

1. Diagnosing cancer 
2. Detecting the location and staging of cancer 
3. The size of the tumor 
4. Deciding the best treatment for cancer
5. Planning radiation therapy 
6. Evaluating the chances of surgical remove for tumor 
7. Checking for the recurrence of cancer. 

PET-CT scans are also a part of cancer treatment and not just diagnosis as they help to know the improvement in the overall condition. 

After treatment completion also, the doctors ask to undergo these scans to check for any residual tumors. The presence of residual tumors can help them decide about further treatment or if cancer can come back again. 

Procedure of PET-CT Scan

The PET CT scan charges depend not only upon the place/ city and the kind of hospital you choose but also the target area for scan. 

For the scan, the doctors use a radioactive tracer that indicates the location of the tumor cells in the body in the scan images. The radiographer helps the patient lie comfortably on the scan machine and monitors through a window outside the room. The machine couch will capture the images as it slides back and forth during the scan. Once done, the patient may go home but drinking adequate water is essential to flush out the injected tracer. 

Sohana Hospital has the most advanced technology and equipment within the premises for seamless PET CT scans for cancer diagnosis. Our team of professionals perform the scan without causing discomfort to the patient during cancer diagnosis. The doctors and oncologists at our hospital always plan the treatment according to disease severity and the tolerance of the patient.