Cancer screening is crucial to determine the most effective treatment plan. In addition to a physical examination by a specialist, cancer diagnosis includes the results of many tests, such as blood tests, biopsies, and imaging procedures.
Cancer screening abroad also includes new technologies. For example, genetic sequencing helps to detect mutations that lead to the growth of cancer cells. This allows you to select targeted drugs aimed at the individual characteristics of cancer.
In addition, special blood tests are used that measure tumor markers released by cancer cells (and sometimes healthy cells). Cancer markers help detect cancer or tumor recurrence, monitor the effectiveness of prescribed treatment, and make more accurate predictions.
The role of pathology in cancer screening
Pathologists determine the nature of the cancer (type, stage) and can recommend the optimal treatment strategy (observation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches). For this purpose, a biopsy is performed – taking a small number of abnormal cells. To remove a tissue sample of internal organs, the doctor uses a needle, which is guided by ultrasound, CT, PET or MRI, or a laparoscope.
The resulting tumor sample is examined under a microscope. By cell shape (differentiation) and division rate (mitotic rate) the pathologist can judge the malignancy of the disease. If the tumor is cancerous, other tests are prescribed to determine the size and spread of the cancer. The price of an oncological examination will depend on the number of prescribed procedures.
Genomic sequencing in cancer screening
Diagnostic accuracy has improved due to the advent of molecular testing. These tests help to further classify cancers and identify specific genes, proteins, or mutations that lead to tumor growth.
Genome sequencing allows you to quickly find out if a patient's tumor has mutations that can help with treatment. Abroad, after such testing, the patient is sometimes offered to participate in clinical trials of innovative targeted drugs. The cost of an examination for the detection of oncological diseases abroad can be found by contacting a specific clinic.
The role of imaging tests in cancer screening
When making an appointment for an oncological examination, the patient is prescribed several imaging tests, each of which provides different information.
Diagnostic procedures that use radiation include:
- computed tomography (CT);
- positron emission tomography (PET);
- bone scanning using nuclear medicine;
- integrated PET-CT scanning;
- mammography;
- breast tomosynthesis;
- x-ray.
Radiation-free imaging tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses radio waves and a powerful magnet connected to a computer.
