Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
Cancer Diagnosis and staging at Horizon Cancer Care
Diagnosis and staging determines whether treatment is curative, organ-preserving, systemic, or purely supportive. At Horizon Cancer Care, diagnosis is a disciplined, multi-layered clinical process.
Staging Defines
Our Diagnostic Framework
We follow a structured, evidence-based staging pathway aligned with global oncology standards.
Our comprehensive physical examination includes:
Real example:
A patient previously advised curative surgery for stomach cancer presented to us. On careful clinical examination, a large rectal nodule and pelvic fixation were detected. This upstaged the disease to metastatic spread. Surgery would not have benefited him. Instead, systemic therapy was initiated, avoiding a major unnecessary operation.
Similarly, missed lymph node assessment frequently leads to under-staging.
No cancer treatment begins without histological confirmation.
We perform:
Baseline and staging labs include:
Imaging defines anatomical spread and guides treatment sequencing.
We use:
PET-CT is especially valuable in:
- PET‑CT scans are highly valued in cancer care because they –
enable early detection - precise staging, detecting occult metastasis
- Response assessment after therapy
We follow the internationally accepted TNM system:
Accurate TNM staging determines whether treatment is:
Multidisciplinary Review
Every confirmed cancer case is evaluated in a structured decision pathway:
- Clinical assessment
- Imaging review
- Pathology confirmation
- Stage allocation
- Treatment intent defined
This prevents fragmented care and inappropriate interventions.
Reviewed By
Medically Reviewed by : Dr. Srinivas Prasad, MCh (Surgical Oncology)
20+ years of experience in oncologic surgery and multidisciplinary cancer care.
Registration No: 2111
Last reviewed: February 2026