Oncology

Cancer is a disease where cells grow out of control and invade, erode, and destroy normal tissue. Cancers require prompt diagnosis and early treatment.

Based on histopathology, cancers are classified as:

• Carcinomas
• Sarcomas
• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Melanoma
• Brain and Spinal Cord Tumours
• Germ cell tumours
• Neuroendocrine tumours

Gleneagles Hospital’s medical oncology specialist centre has what it takes to provide a holistic approach in assisting and advising patients on the various aspects related to cancer care from treatment options to its side effects as well as pre- and post-treatment lifestyle changes and care.

At Gleneagles Hospitals in Malaysia, we empathise with our patients and aim to deliver nothing short of the highest standards of medical services and care. It is our goal to ensure that every patient has a pleasant experience and strive to meet their individual needs throughout their treatment stay.

Patients and their families are also given clear explanations in respect to the diagnosis of their medical problem and the available treatment options to help them make the best educated decision.

Oncological conditions and symptoms

These are some most commonly occurring cancers:

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Gynaecological cancers (Cervical cancer, Ovarian cancer, Uterine cancer)
• Gastrointestinal cancers (Colon cancer, Rectal cancer, Oesophageal cancer, Stomach cancer)
• Genitourinary cancers (Renal cancer, Urinary bladder cancer, Prostate cancer, Testicular cancer)
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Skin cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Haematological (Blood cancer)

Following are some common symptoms of cancerous growths in bodies:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Lumps or thickenings that can be felt under the skin
• Swelling of lymph nodes that does not go away
• Skin changes such as yellowing, rashes, sores, moles
• Changes in bladder and bowel habits
• Unexplained and persistent low-grade fever or night sweats
• Persistent cough, aches, trouble breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Unexplained joint pains

While the aforementioned symptoms can be indicators of numerous serious/non-serious diseases, it is advisable to consult your doctor if you have any one or more of these.

Diagnosis and screening for oncological conditions

Cancer screening is aimed to detect the disease at an early stage, even before strong physical symptoms are seen.

Different types of cancers are screened using different procedures.

For example, breast cancer screening is done using mammography and breast ultrasounds. Similarly, colon and rectal cancers are screened using Faecal Occult Blood Test, Colonoscopy, or virtual colonoscopy.

Lung cancers are screened using Low-dose Helical Computed Tomography.

Various other cancers can be detected using different tests like:

• Physical examinations
• Blood tests that detect levels of:
  - Alpha-fetoprotein for liver cancer
  - Prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer
  - CA-125 for ovarian cancer
  
• Pap test or Human papillomavirus (HPV) test to check for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.
• Various imaging tests
• Biopsies

Oncologists at Gleneagles Hospitals

At Gleneagles Hospitals, the team of experienced and skilled oncologists comprises of:

• Medical oncologist - Treats cancers using drugs, e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy
• Clinical oncologist - Treats cancer using drugs and radiation therapy
• Surgical oncologist - Uses surgical procedure to remove tumours
• Gynaecological oncologist - Treats gynaecological cancers. Read more about gynae-oncology
• Haematological oncologist - Treats blood cancers. Read more about haemato-oncology

You may rest assured that your care is in good hands as our oncologists are at the forefront of training, bringing together advanced care practices and outstanding outcome to you.

Cancer treatments available at Gleneagles Hospitals

Various treatment options are available in Gleneagles Hospitals to manage cancers. Our oncologists will prescribe the best treatment to suit you.

This might include:

• Chemotherapy treatment is used either orally or through intravenous drugs
• Radiotherapy uses high doses of energy rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours
• Surgical process to remove the tumour as a whole or in small masses can be done depending on the size and location
• Targeted drug therapy includes drugs that target specific genes and proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells

Early detection and prevention

Gleneagles Hospitals oncology department offers a comprehensive examination of patients that and can be carried out in our Health Screening Centre on the Ground Floor of the Medical Suite Building.

Each individual health programmes offered by us focuses on identifying risk factors for both men, women and senior citizens that may be potentially detrimental to their health.

As part of the Gleneagles Hospitals' medical team, our goal is to live up to our image as the leading healthcare provider in the region. Our centre constantly improves its facilities, standards, and technology, enabling us to better serve all of our patients. Gleneagles Hospitals take pride in bringing together a team of medical experts and state-of-the-art equipment ready to serve all who come through our doors.