Aarthi Scans and Labs

A sound understanding of the basis of oncological imaging including:

• The embryology, anatomy and pathophysiology of the major tumour-bearing organs.
• The various tumour staging methods used for each major organ
• Lymph node station and routes of lymph node spread from primary tumours.
• Anatomical routes for the spread of common tumours.
• The pathological processes of malignant disease.
• Local, national and where appropriate, international imaging guidelines.
• Methods of analyzing tumour response.

General oncological radiology

• Expertise in plain radiographic assessment for staging and follow-up of tumours.
• Knowledge of the indications for referral for cross-sectional imaging based on the plain film findings.
• Expertise in recommending the most appropriate investigation.

CT

• Detailed knowledge of tumour types appropriate for CT staging and follow-up
• Detailed knowledge of the appropriate techniques for the examination and the assessment of different common cancers.
• Knowledge of patterns of disease spread for common tumour types on CT which will lead to greater diagnostic accuracy and more appropriately tailored examinations.
• Knowledge of the advantages of new developments in CT such as multi-helical techniques in cancer management, eg. Three-dimensional imaging, multi-planar reformatting.
• Expertise in biopsy techniques with a particular relevance to cancer, such as retroperitoneal biopsy and pelvic side wall biopsy
• Knowledge of requirements for CT planning in radiotherapy and the importance of diagnostic input.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Knowledge of the indications for MRI for staging, follow-up and reassessment of patients at the time of suspected relapse.
• Knowledge of basic MRI techniques, findings and pitfalls in the diagnosis of those cancers frequently referred for imaging, eg. Pelvic cancers, head and neck cancer.
• MR USG fusion technology for Brain Tumours and other malignancy.
• Knowledge of the advances in MRI, which are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

USG

• Knowledge of the indications for US examinations in cancer patients and the relationship of US to CT / MRI / Nuclear Medicine for lesion detection, eg. Liver metastases.
• Knowledge of advances in US imaging and techniques that have an application to cancer.

Nuclear Medicine

• Understanding of the complementary role of plain radiography, MRI and CT to nuclear medicine in the evaluation of an equivocal diagnosis of metastases.
• Detailed knowledge of indications for functional imaging techniques and expertise in image interpretation, eg. Thyroid cancer imaging.
• Knowledge of advances in nuclear medicine, including positron emission tomography (PET/CT PET). A basic knowledge of the technique is required. Knowledge of the current and evolving indications for referral for PET / SPECT.