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Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre

Diagnosing cancer

Discovering the presence of cancer is never easy, but early detection provides the best possible chance of a cure. Fast and accurate diagnosis goes a long way to making sure that the patient is in the best position to cope with and recover from the treatment required.

Our technology

At Marcelle Ruth, we use advanced technology to carry out a wide range of tests on-site, so there is minimal travel or delay in carrying out investigations or receiving results. This means that where needed, treatment can be started quickly: an important factor in helping patients get better completely and return to a fully active life.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, but the most common in Nigeria are breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, gynaecological cancers, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Whatever cancer is present, our multidisciplinary approach means that the right team of specialists can be assembled quickly to support patients through diagnosis and treatment.

>     Imaging

Diagnostic imaging techniques use non-invasive technology to look inside the body and get a clearer picture of any abnormalities. Our imaging centre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines to provide the following services: digital X-ray, three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound, 3-D mammography and CT and CT-simulation.

Digital x-ray

Traditional x-rays capture images from the body onto films. This helps doctors find abnormal structures that they may not otherwise be able to feel when they examine the patient. Digital x-rays offer two distinct advantages. Firstly, as digitally-captured images, they are available for immediate viewing without the lengthy and complex steps of chemical processing of films. Secondly, they use and therefore expose you to much less radiation.

3D ultrasound scan

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of internal organs and tissue and detect any changes. In the diagnosis of some cancers, like breast cancer, it can help distinguish possible tumours from harmless cysts. While 2D ultrasound only gives outlines and flat-looking images, the more modern technology of 3D ultrasound provides a more realistic view of the body, particularly of the internal organs.

3D mammography

A 3D mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. It is useful for breast cancer screening tests and detecting abnormalities in patients with no symptoms. It can also be used to investigate problems like lumps, nipple discharge or changes in breast shape.

CT scan

To analyse changes in any part of the body, CT scans generate a combination of three-dimensional images and powerful, digital X-rays. Together, these two imaging techniques will provide a detailed picture of a tumour’s location, shape and size, and any changes over time.

CT-simulation machines are used to accurately plan the delivery of radiation treatment to treat cancer cells in the safest way.

Biopsies

When diagnostic imaging reveals an abnormality such as a lump, further investigation is usually required to determine whether the lump contains cancer cells – and if so, to give further information on the type and extent of the cancer.

In a biopsy, a small sample of the tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. The test will show whether the tissue is benign and harmless, or malignant (cancerous) and likely to spread.

Blood tests

Marcelle Ruth has automated laboratory facilities which provide a wide-range of blood tests including monitoring of tumour markers: substances made by either cancerous cells or healthy cells that are fighting cancer. As tumour markers can show up in benign conditions, they are not used to diagnose cancer. But after a positive diagnosis, monitoring marker levels can show whether a treatment is working or a cancer is spreading.