Welcome to the Kolhapur Cancer Centre, a leading institution dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care in the Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Sangli, and Kokan regions. With our state-of-the-art facilities and a team of internationally-acclaimed cancer surgeons and specialists, we are committed to offering high-quality, patient-focused care.

Our experience and expertise in cancer diagnosis ensure that our patients receive accurate, timely, and personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

At Kolhapur Cancer Centre, we strongly believe in the power of early detection and its crucial role in the successful treatment of cancer. Studies consistently show that early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can improve survival rates by up to 80-90% for certain types of cancer.

Our cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, coupled with the latest technological advancements, empower us to detect cancer at the earliest possible stage, allowing for more effective and less aggressive treatment options.

Our patient-first approach ensures that we support you at every step of your cancer journey, providing clear, accessible, and actionable information to help you make informed decisions about your health.

Cancer Diagnosis Procedures and Tests

In this section, we will explore the various procedures and tests involved in diagnosing cancer. Understanding these diagnostic tools is a critical step in ensuring that you receive the most accurate and effective treatment plan.

From imaging techniques to laboratory tests, each method provides valuable insights into the presence and progression of cancer.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to assess lumps or masses in the body.

The process involves the use of a thin, hollow needle to extract a small sample of cells from suspicious areas, such as palpable lumps in the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, or soft tissues.

This sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine the presence of cancerous cells.

FNAC is often employed to diagnose various types of cancers, such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and lymphomas. It is particularly useful in situations where a clear diagnosis is required without the need for a more invasive surgical biopsy.

The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia applied to minimise discomfort, making it an ideal choice for patients requiring a quick and accurate diagnosis.

The advantages of FNAC include its minimally invasive nature, which reduces the risk of complications and scarring compared to traditional biopsies. It is also relatively quick, cost-effective, and can be performed in a clinic or doctor’s office.

The prompt results from FNAC allow cancer specialists to establish a timely treatment plan, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Schedule Your FNAC Appointment Today

Early detection is crucial in effectively managing and treating cancer. By scheduling your Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) appointment today, you take a proactive step towards safeguarding your health. Reach out to us to discuss your concerns and arrange an FNAC procedure if it has been recommended.

Biopsies

Biopsies are critical in the diagnosis and management of cancer and other medical conditions, providing an essential means of obtaining tissue samples for detailed examination. Unlike FNAC, a biopsy involves the removal of a larger section of tissue, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of cellular architecture and tumour characteristics.

Overview of Different Types of Biopsies

Biopsies can be categorised into several types based on the technique and purpose, each offering unique insights and fulfilling specific medical requirements. Understanding the differences among these types can facilitate optimal clinical decisions:

• Incisional Biopsy: This type of biopsy involves the removal of a portion of the suspicious tissue mass for examination. It is typically used when a complete excision is not feasible due to the size or location of the growth. Incisional biopsies are often employed in the diagnosis of skin lesions, lymph nodes, and oral lesions where a full removal could potentially disrupt function or aesthetics.

• Excisional Biopsy: Unlike incisional biopsies, excisional biopsies involve the removal of the entire mass or suspect area. This type is often recommended when the area in question is small enough to be fully removed without significant impact on surrounding structures. Excisional biopsies provide a clearer context for pathological assessment, making them suitable for lesions that are readily accessible, such as superficial skin growths or small breast lumps.

• Core Needle Biopsy: This method utilises a larger “core” needle to extract cylinders of tissue. Core needle biopsies offer more comprehensive sampling than FNAC and are commonly used for breast, prostate, and liver tissues. They are particularly valuable when the tissue architecture plays a significant role in diagnosis, such as with certain types of breast cancer, offering a balance between minimal invasiveness and diagnostic accuracy.

The choice of biopsy type is informed by various factors including the location, size, and nature of the abnormality, as well as the need for detailed structural analysis of the tissues. Medical practitioners may also consider patient-specific factors like overall health and potential risks before recommending a suitable biopsy method.

Typically performed under local or general anaesthesia, biopsies can range from minimally invasive procedures, like skin biopsies, to more complex operations, such as surgical removal of internal tumours.

The detailed histopathological analysis performed on these samples by pathologists aids in determining the exact type and grade of cancer, helping to tailor specific treatment protocols. While biopsies are more invasive than FNAC, they are invaluable in providing a definitive diagnosis, particularly in cases where cell samples alone are insufficient to determine the presence or extent of the disease.

Onco-pathology

Onco-pathologists play a crucial role in examining tissue samples to confirm cancer diagnoses. They apply their specialised knowledge to analyse biopsied tissues microscopically, looking for specific cellular abnormalities and patterns indicative of malignancy.

At the Kolhapur Cancer Centre, onco-pathologists employ advanced techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of their diagnoses.

Techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC) are routinely used, enabling the detection of specific proteins that can help differentiate between various cancer types. Moreover, molecular pathology techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), allow for the identification of genetic mutations that may influence treatment options.

By integrating these cutting-edge methods, onco-pathologists at Kolhapur Cancer Centre provide detailed reports that are instrumental in shaping personalised treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives the most effective and tailored care available.

Kolhapur Cancer Centre offers comprehensive onco-pathology reports for personalized cancer treatment. Using advanced diagnostic techniques like IHC and NGS, their expert team provides insights to guide tailored treatment plans. Schedule a consultation for an expert-driven report and take a step towards informed cancer care.

Radiology

Radiology plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and staging of cancer through the use of various imaging techniques. Each method offers unique insights into the body’s internal structures and can help in detecting and assessing the extent of cancer.

• X-rays are one of the oldest and most common imaging techniques. They are particularly useful for diagnosing bone cancer or identifying abnormalities in the chest, such as lung cancer. X-rays work by passing radiation through the body, creating images of the inside of the body where denser structures appear white, making it easier to pinpoint any unusual growths or lesions.

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans provide more detailed images compared to standard X-rays. By taking multiple cross-sectional images of the body, CT scans can offer a comprehensive view of a tumor’s size, shape, and location. This allows for more precise staging of cancer and aids in planning treatment or surgery.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is another powerful imaging technique, particularly useful for soft tissue evaluation. MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues. They are highly effective for brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system assessments, helping to determine the extent and spread of cancer within these areas.

• Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs and tissues. It is often used to examine the abdomen, pelvis, and breasts. Its non-invasive nature makes it ideal for initial investigations, and it can guide biopsy needles to precise locations in minimally invasive procedures.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans add another layer of depth to cancer imaging by assessing the metabolic activity of tissues. PET scans involve injecting a small amount of radioactive glucose into the body. Since cancer cells typically consume glucose at a higher rate than normal cells, this method helps identify and measure the metabolic activity of possible cancerous regions. Combining a PET scan with a CT scan (PET/CT) can provide both metabolic and anatomical insights, enhancing the accuracy of cancer detection and the monitoring of treatment progress.

• Bone Scans specifically target bone metabolism and are instrumental in detecting bone tumors or metastasis from other cancers. By using a small amount of radioactive material that is attracted to areas of high bone activity, bone scans help reveal cancer spread to the skeletal system, which might not be visible through other imaging techniques.

Each imaging method offers distinct benefits, and often, several types of scans will be employed in combination to paint a comprehensive picture of a patient’s condition.

The choice of imaging depends on various factors such as the type of cancer suspected, its location, and the specific information that the cancer specialist needs to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Together, these imaging techniques provide invaluable information in the cancer diagnosis process, guiding oncologists in developing effective treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s specific condition.

Why Choose Kolhapur Cancer Centre for Cancer Diagnosis?

At Kolhapur Cancer Centre, our commitment to excellence in cancer diagnosis is driven by a team of highly experienced and skilled medical professionals. Our specialists are leaders in their respective fields, bringing years of expertise in diagnosing and treating various forms of cancer.

Their profound knowledge, combined with ongoing education and research, ensures that our patients receive the most accurate and timely diagnoses.

We pride ourselves on utilising the latest advancements in diagnostic technologies. From state-of-the-art CT scans to sophisticated MRI and bone scan equipment, our diagnostic tools are at the forefront of contemporary medicine. This ensures that we can deliver precise imaging results that are crucial for effective treatment planning.

Furthermore, our approach to care is deeply rooted in compassion and patient-centric values. We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience, so we strive to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for our patients and their families.

Our onco experts not only focus on clinical excellence but also on the emotional and psychological well-being of those in our care.

With a blend of expert knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and heartfelt compassion, Kolhapur Cancer Centre stands as a beacon of hope and care for those facing cancer diagnoses.