What is Onco-Radiology?

Onco-Radiology is a specialized branch of radiology focused on cancer care. It involves use of advanced imaging techniques to detect, diagnose, stage, and monitor cancers. These imaging tools are vital for identifying tumors early, guiding treatment decisions, evaluating response to therapy, and providing palliative care when needed.

The imaging modalities used in onco-radiology include:

• Digital X-rays

• Ultrasound with Elastography

• Mammography and 3D Tomosynthesis

• CT Scans (Computed Tomography)

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Each modality plays a unique role in helping clinicians visualize different tissues and organ systems to ensure comprehensive cancer management.

1. Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

Early detection leads to better outcomes. Our department offers high-resolution imaging for accurate diagnosis and staging of cancers. Depending on the type and location of the tumor, we use:

• X-rays for initial detection of abnormalities

• Mammography and Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography) for early breast cancer detection

• Ultrasound and Ultrasound Elastography to distinguish benign from malignant lesions

• CT Scans for cross-sectional imaging of tumors in the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and brain

Each patient’s diagnostic plan is tailored to ensure optimal accuracy, minimal discomfort, and timely results.

2. Interventional Radiology

Our Interventional Radiology unit offers minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that aid in diagnosis and sometimes treatment. These include:

• Biopsy and FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology): Guided procedures to collect tissue from suspicious lesions. We are the only centre in the region offering stereotactic biopsy, a precision technique particularly useful in breast cancer.

• Marker Placement: Radiopaque markers are placed to aid in future tumor identification and surgical planning.

• Fluid Aspirations: Guided drainage or sampling of fluid collections (pleural, ascitic, cystic) to relieve symptoms and support diagnosis.

• Drainage Catheter Placement: Image guided drainage of collections from various body sites in abdomen and thorax are carried out using ultrasound or CT scan guidance and help in minimally invasive management of many difficult clinical situations.

All procedures are performed under strict aseptic conditions with ultrasound or CT guidance for maximum accuracy and patient safety.

3. Monitoring and Follow-Up

Cancer treatment doesn’t stop at diagnosis. Imaging is crucial in:

• Monitoring tumor shrinkage or stability during chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Detecting recurrence or metastasis

• Assessing post-surgical healing and complications

We schedule regular imaging reviews as part of each patient’s personalized follow-up protocol to support long-term outcomes.

At Andromeda Cancer Hospital, our Onco-Radiology Department stands out for the following reasons:

• Expert Radiologists: Our team includes radiologists with extensive oncology-specific experience, ensuring the highest diagnostic accuracy.

• State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest imaging systems that deliver high-resolution results with minimal radiation exposure and faster scan times.

• Tailored, Patient-Centric Care: Every patient’s journey is different. We personalize imaging strategies based on clinical needs, comfort, and urgency.

• Integrated Cancer Care: Our radiologists work closely with surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists as part of a multidisciplinary cancer team to ensure coordinated care.