These tests confirm the presence or absence of cancer. If cancer is detected the tests also show whether it has spread to other parts of the body. These include:
Ultrasound
Scans
Computerised
Tomography (CT) Scan
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) Scan
Cytoscopy
Biopsy
The different Stages of Cancer
The presence of cancer,
once confirmed by medical tests is given a stage. The stage identifies the
extent to which the cancer is spread in the body. TNM system is used to stage
kidney cancer. It consists of three numbers:
T (tumour) - It
describes the size of tumour. It has a scale from 1 to 4 depending on the size
of the tumour.
N (node) - It describes
if cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes. It has a scale from 0 to 2
depending on whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph glands.
M (metastases) - marked
as 0 or 1 depending on whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
or nearby organs.
Coping with the diagnosis
At aastha Kidney Hospital we
understand it can be a
very difficult coping if you have been diagnosed with cancer. The news may be
very difficult to digest. Once the initial shock of realising you have cancer
has waned, a number of emotions might take over. It is common to experience
sadness, confusion, denial, guilt, anger and stress. For some they may have
severe anxiety, fear about the future and depression. During such times support
of family and friends makes a huge difference. Talking to a psychiatrist or
other people which are going through the same can help considerably.
The
experienced doctors and trained nursing staff at Aastha Kidney Hospital
specialises in dealing with all aspects of cancer. The warmth and emotional
support extended by them at the hospital along with proper medical care is a
great encouragement available whenever you need.
