Radiology in Cancer: A Pillar of Modern Cancer Management By Dhirashree Kakati, Radiology Technologist, NECHRI
July 27, 2025
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Introduction
Cancer continues to be a global health crisis, with millions of new cases diagnosed annually. In this battle, radiology and oncology form the cornerstone of effective cancer care. From early cancer detection to precise treatment planning, radiology plays an essential role. Institutions like the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Jorabat, Assam, are leading the way in delivering world-class cancer diagnosis and imaging services in the North East region of India.
The Role of Radiology in Oncology
At the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, radiology is integrated into every phase of oncology care, including:
• Early Detection: NECHRI uses state-of-the-art mammography, MRI, and CT scans to detect cancers at their earliest stages, improving survival rates.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Advanced imaging helps identify tumour characteristics and locations with high precision.
• Image-Guided Biopsies: NECHRI radiologists use imaging to conduct accurate biopsies that confirm cancer type and stage.
• Cancer Staging: Through PET-CT and other advanced modalities, the extent of disease spread is identified for effective treatment planning.
• Treatment Planning: Radiation oncologists at NECHRI rely on radiological imaging for mapping tumour areas for radiotherapy.
• Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-up scans monitor tumour shrinkage, recurrence, or metastasis after treatment.
Imaging Modalities Used at NECHRI
1. Digital X-rays and Barium Studies
Used for imaging bones, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Barium X-rays at NECHRI help visualize digestive system abnormalities, such as tumours or ulcers.
2. Fluoroscopy
Live imaging assists in diagnosing movement disorders of internal organs and guides some interventional procedures.
3. Mammography and 3D Tomosynthesis
NECHRI offers digital mammography and 3D breast imaging, aiding in early detection of breast cancer, a prevalent cancer among women in Assam.
4. Ultrasound and Doppler Studies
NECHRI uses ultrasound for abdominal, thyroid, and pelvic cancer assessments. Doppler ultrasound helps analyze blood flow in tumours, assisting oncologists with treatment strategies.
5. CT Scan Services in Assam
NECHRI provides several forms of CT scans for cancer diagnosis:
• HRCT for lung cancer screening
• NCCT for general tumour evaluation
• CECT for enhanced imaging of organs
• Triphasic CT and CT Angiography for liver and vascular assessments before surgery
6. MRI Scans in NECHRI, Assam
High-resolution MRI services are available for detailed soft-tissue imaging of the brain, liver, spine, breast, and musculoskeletal system.
7. PET-CT Scans for Cancer Staging and Response Evaluation
NECHRI offers PET scan services in Jorabat, using radioactive tracers to identify active cancer cells. This helps in early cancer staging, tracking metastasis, and differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.
Why NECHRI is a Leader in Radiology & Oncology in North East India
Integrated Cancer Care
NECHRI hosts multidisciplinary tumour boards, where radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons collaborate on complex cases, ensuring every patient gets a personalized treatment plan.
Image-Guided Interventions
From radiofrequency ablation to stereotactic biopsies, NECHRI’s radiology team uses imaging to perform minimally invasive, highly precise procedures.
Personalized Medicine
Through advanced imaging, NECHRI tailor’s treatments to individual cancer biology, location, and spread, aligning with global cancer care standards.
Case Study: Breast Cancer Treated at NECHRI
A 55-year-old woman underwent a routine digital mammogram at NECHRI, Jorabat, which revealed a suspicious lesion. Subsequent MRI and image-guided biopsy confirmed stage II breast cancer. A multidisciplinary team at NECHRI implemented surgery followed by radiation therapy. Ongoing MRI and mammography scans ensured no recurrence, resulting in successful recovery and high quality of life.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between radiology and oncology is revolutionizing cancer care. Institutions like the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Jorabat, are setting benchmarks in radiology-driven cancer treatment in the North East region of India. With world-class imaging facilities and expert teams, NECHRI remains a beacon of hope for thousands seeking precise, compassionate, and advanced cancer care in Assam.
Cancer continues to be a global health crisis, with millions of new cases diagnosed annually. In this battle, radiology and oncology form the cornerstone of effective cancer care. From early cancer detection to precise treatment planning, radiology plays an essential role. Institutions like the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Jorabat, Assam, are leading the way in delivering world-class cancer diagnosis and imaging services in the North East region of India.
The Role of Radiology in Oncology
At the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, radiology is integrated into every phase of oncology care, including:
• Early Detection: NECHRI uses state-of-the-art mammography, MRI, and CT scans to detect cancers at their earliest stages, improving survival rates.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Advanced imaging helps identify tumour characteristics and locations with high precision.
• Image-Guided Biopsies: NECHRI radiologists use imaging to conduct accurate biopsies that confirm cancer type and stage.
• Cancer Staging: Through PET-CT and other advanced modalities, the extent of disease spread is identified for effective treatment planning.
• Treatment Planning: Radiation oncologists at NECHRI rely on radiological imaging for mapping tumour areas for radiotherapy.
• Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-up scans monitor tumour shrinkage, recurrence, or metastasis after treatment.
Imaging Modalities Used at NECHRI
1. Digital X-rays and Barium Studies
Used for imaging bones, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Barium X-rays at NECHRI help visualize digestive system abnormalities, such as tumours or ulcers.
2. Fluoroscopy
Live imaging assists in diagnosing movement disorders of internal organs and guides some interventional procedures.
3. Mammography and 3D Tomosynthesis
NECHRI offers digital mammography and 3D breast imaging, aiding in early detection of breast cancer, a prevalent cancer among women in Assam.
4. Ultrasound and Doppler Studies
NECHRI uses ultrasound for abdominal, thyroid, and pelvic cancer assessments. Doppler ultrasound helps analyze blood flow in tumours, assisting oncologists with treatment strategies.
5. CT Scan Services in Assam
NECHRI provides several forms of CT scans for cancer diagnosis:
• HRCT for lung cancer screening
• NCCT for general tumour evaluation
• CECT for enhanced imaging of organs
• Triphasic CT and CT Angiography for liver and vascular assessments before surgery
6. MRI Scans in NECHRI, Assam
High-resolution MRI services are available for detailed soft-tissue imaging of the brain, liver, spine, breast, and musculoskeletal system.
7. PET-CT Scans for Cancer Staging and Response Evaluation
NECHRI offers PET scan services in Jorabat, using radioactive tracers to identify active cancer cells. This helps in early cancer staging, tracking metastasis, and differentiating between benign and malignant lesions.
Why NECHRI is a Leader in Radiology & Oncology in North East India
Integrated Cancer Care
NECHRI hosts multidisciplinary tumour boards, where radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons collaborate on complex cases, ensuring every patient gets a personalized treatment plan.
Image-Guided Interventions
From radiofrequency ablation to stereotactic biopsies, NECHRI’s radiology team uses imaging to perform minimally invasive, highly precise procedures.
Personalized Medicine
Through advanced imaging, NECHRI tailor’s treatments to individual cancer biology, location, and spread, aligning with global cancer care standards.
Case Study: Breast Cancer Treated at NECHRI
A 55-year-old woman underwent a routine digital mammogram at NECHRI, Jorabat, which revealed a suspicious lesion. Subsequent MRI and image-guided biopsy confirmed stage II breast cancer. A multidisciplinary team at NECHRI implemented surgery followed by radiation therapy. Ongoing MRI and mammography scans ensured no recurrence, resulting in successful recovery and high quality of life.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between radiology and oncology is revolutionizing cancer care. Institutions like the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Jorabat, are setting benchmarks in radiology-driven cancer treatment in the North East region of India. With world-class imaging facilities and expert teams, NECHRI remains a beacon of hope for thousands seeking precise, compassionate, and advanced cancer care in Assam.