OVERVIEW
Normally, there are chemical signals in the body that control when cell division will take place, such as during growth, repair and cell replacement. However, if cells divide to produce higher numbers than necessary, they can accumulate to form masses of cells known as tumours. Tumours may be benign, meaning that they only grow in one specific location. Such tumours are considered non-cancerous and can produce no symptoms at all unless they compress essential structures such as blood vessels or nerves. In these situations, even tumours that remain in one area of the body can cause significant damage.
Cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled division of cells that have the potential to affect normal function of organs at the site of disease. Cancerous tumours are those with the ability to move around the body and grow in new locations, causing considerable damage in the process. These tumours are known as malignant tumours.
SYMPTOMS
Patients will experience different symptoms depending on the location of the primary site of a tumour. Some general symptoms include:
- The presence of a lump under the skin that may/may not be felt
- Fatigue
- Unexpected weight loss/gain
- Fever
- Pain
OUR TREATMENTS
We offer the following interventional procedures for the treatment of liver and kidney tumors and cancer:
- Biopsy
- A biopsy is a medical test to examine the presence or extent of a disease in the body tissue
- The doctor will extract a sample of cells or tissue from the patient
- With the biopsy, CT and Ultrasound guidance, a cancer diagnosis can be formed.
- Cancer Therapy Access
- Includes the creation of temporary portacath insertions (a small device inserted into the chest) and PICC lines placement (A catheter that gives doctors access to central veins near the heart) for cancer patients to receive chemotherapy without the need for repeated needle pricks.
- Also prevents damage to the hand veins.
- Drainage procedures
- Help relieve uncomfortable symptoms for cancer patients who may suffer from fluid retention as a side effect.
- Catheters are used for this procedure
- Tumour Ablation
- Involves using minimally invasive techniques to treat tumours or alleviate symptoms.
- Examples of ablation procedures include radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and cryoablation.
- Tumour Embolisation
- Involves targeted therapy being delivered directly to tumours. There is minimal impact on healthy tissues, and side effects are reduced
- Examples of embolisation procedures include chemoembolisation, radioembolisation (selective internal radiation therapy [SIRT]), DC beads chemoembolisation and bland embolisation.
- Vascular interventions
- Involves the use of minimally invasive techniques to place stents to stop bleeding and block the flow of blood to and from tumour tissue to support chemotherapy and radiation therapy response.
- Pain management therapies
- Injections and blocks can be used to provide relief from cancer-related pain.
