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Advanced Diagnostic Tests - Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital

Advanced Diagnostic Tests

Precise and early cancer detection through state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, enabling accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes.

At Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, we utilize cutting-edge diagnostic technologies to provide comprehensive and accurate cancer detection. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities encompass a wide range of imaging techniques, laboratory diagnostics, and specialized tests designed to identify cancer at its earliest stages and guide personalized treatment strategies.

Our Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

Molecular Diagnostics & Precision Medicine Platform

Our NABL-accredited molecular diagnostics laboratory offers comprehensive molecular profiling services across multiple technology platforms, serving as the cornerstone of precision oncology at SSCHRC.

Comprehensive genomic analysis services for personalized cancer treatment and precision medicine.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Comprehensive tumor profiling including targeted gene panels, whole exome sequencing, and transcriptome analysis for actionable mutations and therapeutic biomarkers.
Liquid Biopsy: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis for minimal residual disease monitoring, treatment response assessment, and resistance mutation detection.
Germline Testing: Hereditary cancer syndrome panels covering BRCA1/2, Lynch syndrome, and over 80 cancer predisposition genes.
Pharmacogenomics: Germline variants affecting drug metabolism to optimize therapeutic dosing and minimize toxicity.
PCR based Mutation testing: PCR based Mutation testing for multiple genes like EGFR, RAS family and POL-E.

Advanced molecular pathology services for comprehensive cancer diagnosis and characterization.

Flow Cytometry: Multi-parameter immunophenotyping for hematological malignancies with comprehensive aberrancy detection.
Cytogenetics & FISH: Chromosomal aberration analysis and fusion gene detection across solid and liquid tumors.

Cutting-edge technologies for advanced cancer research and diagnostics.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics: Protein biomarker discovery, metabolomic profiling, and tissue imaging mass spectrometry for spatial molecular characterization.
Single-Cell Genomics: Tumor heterogeneity analysis and clonal evolution studies.

Nuclear Medicine Services

Comprehensive nuclear medicine services for cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

Diagnostic Services: PET CT (FDG, PSMA, DOTANOC, DOPA, FAPI) for initial staging, detection of unknown primary, radiation therapy planning, response assessment, surveillance; Sentinel Lymph Node Lymphoscintigraphy; Radio-guided Occult Lesion Localization (ROLL); MDP Bone scan; MIBG, HYNIC TOC and DMSA (V) imaging for endocrine tumors; Parathyroid imaging; Whole body iodine scan for thyroid cancer
Therapy: High dose radioiodine therapy; I-131 MIBG for Neuroblastoma; 177 Lu DOTATATE therapy for metastatic neuroendocrine tumor; 177 Lu PSMA therapy for metastatic prostate cancer; Samarium therapy for bone pain palliation

Nuclear medicine cardiac imaging and assessment services.

Diagnostic Services: Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy; Myocardial Viability Assessment (Perfusion and/or FDG PET); Radionuclide Ventriculography (MUGA Scan) for systolic and diastolic function; First Pass Angiography for RVEF and shunt quantification

Nuclear medicine services for neurological conditions and brain imaging.

Diagnostic Services: FDG and F-DOPA PET CT for brain tumors; FDG PET and Brain Perfusion SPECT for dementia and epilepsy; Blood brain barrier imaging; Cisternography

Nuclear medicine services for endocrine disorders and thyroid conditions.

Diagnostic Services: Thyroid Scintigraphy; MIBG Imaging; FDG and DOTANOC PET CT for MTC and TENIS syndrome
Therapy: Radioiodine therapy for Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter and thyroid cancer; I-131 MIBG for Neuroblastoma; 177 Lu DOTATATE therapy for metastatic neuroendocrine tumor

Nuclear medicine services for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions.

Diagnostic Services: Salivary Scintigraphy; Salivogram and Gastroesophageal Reflux Scintigraphy; Esophageal Transit Scintigraphy; Gastric Emptying Study; Gastrointestinal Bleed Study; Ectopic Gastric Mucosa (Meckel's Scan); Hepatobiliary Imaging (HIDA Scan); 99mTc labeled RBC scintigraphy for liver hemangioma; Sulfur colloid imaging of reticuloendothelial system; Hepato-pulmonary shunt quantification; Hepatic encephalopathy; HSA imaging for protein-losing enteropathy
Therapy: Trans Arterial Radio Embolization with 90Y TheraSpheres (TARE)

Nuclear medicine services for renal and urological conditions.

Diagnostic Services: Renal cortical scintigraphy (DMSA Scan); Diuretic Renography (EC / DTPA Scan); ACE Renography for renovascular hypertension; Renal Transplant Evaluation; Radionuclide cystography for VUR; FDG PET CT for tumor imaging

Bone imaging and skeletal assessment services.

Diagnostic Services: MDP Bone scan – Three phase, whole body and SPECT studies; 18F-NaF PET; Infection imaging (FDG PET CT and MDP Bone scan); Metastatic workup and metabolic bone disorders

Nuclear medicine services for pulmonary conditions.

Diagnostic Services: Perfusion Scintigraphy (V/Q Scan) for pulmonary embolism; Lung perfusion scan for preoperative lung volume estimation prior to lobectomy and lung shunt quantification

Additional specialized nuclear medicine diagnostic services.

Diagnostic Services: Scrotal Scintigraphy; Dacryoscintigraphy; Pleuroperitoneal shunt evaluation; Limb lymphoscintigraphy

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Combines two powerful imaging methods to detect cancer activity at the cellular level and show detailed pictures of tumors. Essential for accurate staging and monitoring treatment response.

Purpose: Detects metabolic activity of cancer cells, identifies primary tumors and metastases, evaluates treatment response
Procedure: Injection of radioactive tracer, waiting period for distribution, scanning process lasting 30-60 minutes
Preparation: Fasting for 4-6 hours, blood glucose level check, avoiding strenuous activity 24 hours prior
Applications: Cancer staging, detecting recurrence, monitoring therapy effectiveness, identifying unknown primary tumors

Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues. Ideal for identifying tumors in the brain, spine, and other organs with high precision.

Purpose: Detailed visualization of soft tissues, tumor characterization, surgical planning, monitoring treatment response
Procedure: Patient lies on table that moves into MRI machine, contrast agent may be injected, scanning takes 30-60 minutes
Preparation: Remove all metal objects, screening for implants, possible fasting for abdominal studies
Advantages: No ionizing radiation, excellent soft tissue contrast, multiplanar imaging capabilities

Provides cross-sectional X-ray images of the body, helping locate tumors and assess their size and spread quickly and non-invasively.

Purpose: Tumor detection and characterization, staging, guiding biopsies and treatments, emergency assessment
Procedure: Patient lies on table that moves through CT scanner, contrast material may be administered, scan takes 10-30 minutes
Preparation: Fasting may be required, allergy screening for contrast agents, removal of metal objects
Applications: Lung cancer screening, abdominal tumors, bone metastases, emergency diagnosis

Uses sound waves to create real-time images, especially useful for examining soft tissues and guiding biopsy procedures safely.

Purpose: Initial evaluation of palpable masses, guiding biopsies, assessing blood flow with Doppler, monitoring treatment
Procedure: Transducer moved over skin with gel, real-time imaging, may include Doppler assessment, typically 15-45 minutes
Preparation: Fasting for abdominal studies, full bladder for pelvic exams, no special preparation for other areas
Advantages: No radiation, real-time imaging, portable, excellent for guiding procedures

Advanced breast imaging technology that detects abnormalities early, improving breast cancer detection with low radiation exposure.

Purpose: Breast cancer screening, diagnostic evaluation of abnormalities, guiding biopsies, monitoring high-risk patients
Procedure: Breast compression between two plates, images taken from different angles, typically takes 20-30 minutes
Preparation: No deodorant or powders, wear two-piece clothing, schedule 1-2 weeks after menstrual period
Advanced Techniques: 3D tomosynthesis, contrast-enhanced mammography, computer-aided detection

Laboratory Diagnostics

Removal and microscopic examination of tissue samples to confirm the presence and type of cancer, providing a definitive diagnosis.

Purpose: Definitive cancer diagnosis, tumor grading and typing, margin assessment, treatment planning
Types: Needle biopsy (core or fine needle), incisional biopsy, excisional biopsy, endoscopic biopsy
Processing: Tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining with H&E and special stains
Analysis: Microscopic evaluation by pathologist, tumor grading, assessment of invasion, margin status

Tests tumor samples for specific protein markers, guiding targeted therapy decisions and personalized treatment.

Purpose: Tumor classification, identification of origin for metastases, predictive biomarker testing, prognosis
Common Markers: ER/PR for breast cancer, HER2, Ki-67 proliferation index, PD-L1, CD markers for lymphomas
Procedure: Antigen retrieval, antibody application, detection system, counterstaining, interpretation
Applications: Therapy selection, prognosis determination, differential diagnosis, cancer subtyping

Analyzes cancer cells' DNA to identify mutations that influence treatment choices, enabling precision medicine tailored to your tumor's unique genetic makeup.

Purpose: Identify targetable mutations, assess hereditary cancer risk, predict treatment response, monitor minimal residual disease
Techniques: Next-generation sequencing, PCR, FISH, Sanger sequencing, microarray analysis
Common Tests: EGFR for lung cancer, BRAF for melanoma, BRCA for breast/ovarian cancer, MSI testing
Applications: Targeted therapy selection, immunotherapy eligibility, clinical trial matching, prognosis assessment

A simple blood test that detects cancer-related genetic material circulating in the bloodstream, allowing for less invasive monitoring and early detection of recurrence.

Purpose: Treatment response monitoring, detection of resistance mutations, early recurrence detection, when tissue biopsy is not feasible
Analytes: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, tumor-educated platelets
Advantages: Minimally invasive, allows serial monitoring, captures tumor heterogeneity, faster results
Applications: EGFR T790M detection in lung cancer, BRCA reversion mutations, monitoring MRD, early relapse detection

Measures specific substances in blood or tissues linked to cancer, helping monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Purpose: Monitoring treatment response, detecting recurrence, prognostic information, sometimes screening in high-risk individuals
Common Markers: PSA (prostate), CA-125 (ovarian), CEA (colorectal), CA 19-9 (pancreatic), AFP (liver)
Limitations: Not specific enough for screening, can be elevated in benign conditions, not all cancers produce markers
Clinical Use: Best used for monitoring known cancer, not for diagnosis; must be interpreted in clinical context

Functional & Specialized Tests

Samples bone marrow to evaluate blood cancers and their impact on blood cell production, guiding treatment decisions.

Purpose: Diagnose blood cancers, stage lymphomas, assess treatment response, evaluate unexplained blood abnormalities
Procedure: Aspiration and biopsy usually from pelvic bone, local anesthesia, pressure sensation during sample collection
Analysis: Cellularity assessment, differential count, morphology evaluation, special stains, flow cytometry, cytogenetics
Applications: Leukemia diagnosis, myeloma workup, lymphoma staging, myelodysplastic syndrome evaluation

Analyzes individual cells from blood or bone marrow to detect abnormalities, especially in leukemia and lymphoma, providing fast and detailed information.

Purpose: Immunophenotyping of hematological malignancies, minimal residual disease detection, cell sorting, functional assays
Principle: Cells in suspension pass through laser beam, light scattering and fluorescence detected, analyzed by software
Applications: Leukemia/lymphoma classification, PNH diagnosis, stem cell enumeration, immunodeficiency workup
Advantages: Rapid multiparameter analysis, quantitative, high sensitivity, can analyze rare cell populations

Studies chromosomal changes in cancer cells to help diagnose certain cancers and predict how they might behave or respond to therapy.

Purpose: Identify chromosomal abnormalities, prognostic stratification, therapy selection, monitoring treatment response
Techniques: Karyotyping, FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), comparative genomic hybridization, spectral karyotyping
Key Findings: Philadelphia chromosome in CML, translocations in lymphomas, complex karyotypes in MDS, amplifications
Clinical Significance: Diagnostic criteria, prognostic classification, target identification, monitoring minimal residual disease

How Our Diagnostic Process Works

1

Initial Consultation & Symptom Assessment

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation where our specialists carefully listen to your symptoms and medical history. This helps us tailor the diagnostic tests best suited to your individual needs.

2

Scheduling & Preparation for Tests

We prioritize your convenience by arranging appointments promptly. Our team provides clear instructions to ensure you are fully prepared for each test, minimizing any anxiety or uncertainty.

3

Performing the Test with Safety & Comfort

All diagnostic procedures are conducted using advanced technology in a safe, hygienic environment. Our skilled staff ensure your comfort throughout, with minimal discomfort and privacy respected at every step.

4

Expert Analysis by Specialized Pathologists & Radiologists

Samples and images are reviewed by highly trained experts who use the latest techniques to provide accurate, reliable results. Their insights are critical to understanding your condition precisely.

5

Sharing Results & Treatment Planning with Oncology Team

We believe in clear communication. Results are shared promptly and explained in a way that is easy to understand. Our multidisciplinary oncology team collaborates to design a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

6

Follow-up and Monitoring

Your care continues beyond diagnosis. We schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress, adjust treatments if needed, and support you throughout your cancer journey.

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities

We strive to deliver fast turnaround times without compromising accuracy, ensuring you have the information you need when it matters most.

Why Choose Us for Diagnostics

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Cutting-Edge Technology & Latest Diagnostic Equipment

We invest continuously in the most advanced diagnostic tools, ensuring precision and reliability in every test.

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Highly Experienced Radiologists, Pathologists & Lab Technicians

Our dedicated team of specialists brings years of expertise and meticulous attention to detail, delivering accurate and trustworthy results.

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Integrated Care with Direct Communication to Oncology Specialists

Diagnostics are seamlessly connected to your cancer care team, allowing quick interpretation and personalized treatment planning.

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Fast, Accurate Results for Timely Treatment Decisions

We understand the urgency of cancer care. Our streamlined processes provide rapid turnaround times without compromising quality.

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Patient Comfort & Safety Prioritized

Your well-being is paramount. Our diagnostic procedures are designed to minimize discomfort while maintaining the highest safety standards.

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Accredited Labs and Internationally Recognized Standards

Our laboratories meet stringent national and global quality certifications, guaranteeing excellence you can trust.

Excellence You Can Trust

Choosing us for your diagnostics means choosing precision, compassion, and a team committed to your best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We prioritize quick turnaround to help start your treatment without delay.

We use the latest techniques and sedation options where needed to minimize discomfort. Many imaging tests are non-invasive and painless.

Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert specialists ensure the highest accuracy, essential for correct diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Preparation varies by test. Our team will provide clear instructions ahead of time to ensure your comfort and the accuracy of results.

Yes, many advanced imaging and molecular tests are designed for early detection, improving the chances of successful treatment.

Patient confidentiality is a top priority. All procedures are conducted in private settings, and your data is securely handled according to strict protocols.

Some imaging tests are safe, while others may be avoided. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant so we can recommend appropriate alternatives.

Absolutely. We encourage patients to seek second opinions and can assist with facilitating this process.

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