3 Tesla MRI is the most sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging device, available for the first time in our country at Acibadem Sistina Hospital. In comparison to the standard 1.5 Tesla MRI, the powerful magnetic field signal and the improved comfort provide numerous advantages for the patient and the doctor.

Unlike other devices, the MRI is a device that does not use ionizing radiation. It is a method that uses a magnetic field during the image creation process. Given that it uses a magnetic field, there are no harmful effects on the patient and his/her health.

Shorter imaging time

The imaging time with 3 tesla MRI is reduced by 30%, compared with 1.5 Tesla MRI. 20-30 images of the brain, liver, heart, kidneys and other internal organs can be obtained in one second. In just two minutes, 3 Tesla MRI produces more than two thousand images that assess the organ function. At the same time, the double power of the magnetic field enables accurate presentation of the internal structures and organs, as well as detection of the changes invisible to 1.5 Tesla MRI.

Silent and comfortable

The Silent technology built into the device drastically reduces the noise during the scan compared to 1.5 tesla MRI. In certain sequences, during scanning of the head, spine and muscle structure it is completely noiseless. The improved patient comfort during the imaging process is made possible with the 70 cm wider cylinder. The comfort is complemented with a wider imaging table with patient load capacity up to 250 kg.

Full body screening with only 1 scan (Total body MRI 3T)

Full body scan can be performed only with the MRI device with a power from 3 Tesla. The imaging consists of 5 parts, by systems and organs and is enabled thanks to the specific program built into the device. As a result, images of the whole body can be obtained in less than an hour. World medical centers use the service “Total body MRI 3P” as the most efficient check-up method for early diagnosis, as well as for evaluation of the condition of all systems and organs, including the blood vessels. 3 Tesla MRI allows presentation of the blood vessels without using contrast agent.

*All scans with the new 3 Tesla MRI device at a promotional discount of 20% until the beginning of March.

The HE4 and CA125 tumor markers via the ROMA algorithm are the latest generation of diagnostic procedures. In addition to enabling the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in its early stage, they can also calculate the risk of ovarian cancer. These two revolutionary test have been introduced for the first time in our country at Acibadem Sistina Hospital. The HE4 tumor marker has the highest sensitivity and specificity to detect ovarian cancer, in particular in the first phase of the disease when the patient doesn’t feel any symptoms. In relation to the CA125marker it provides the most precise results for ovarian cancer or recurrence of the cancer.

The ROMA test determines risk of developing ovarian cancer

The risk of developing ovarian cancer can be predicted with the help of this test. The measured values ​​of serum concentrations of the CA125 and HE4 tumor markers are vital in determining the treatment of the patient. The effect of calculating the risk using the ROMA algorithm has been proven in multiple clinical studies worldwide. This test helps doctors to classify patients into groups with low or high risk for occurrence and development of epithelial ovarian tumors.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer occurring in women. Regular gynecological and ultrasound examinations are the best prevention, since thesooner the cancer is detected, the greater the possibility of full recovery.

What are the risk factors?

It is difficult to determine the risk factors that lead to ovarian cancer. In 5-10% of cases the cause is heredity. The risk increases if two or more family members have cancer of the ovaries, uterus, colon or breast. Older women who have never given birth and women who could not get pregnant due to endometriosis have an increased risk factor for ovarian cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity and taking hormone therapy for patients who want to get pregnant.

Symptoms

Ovarian cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms inthe early stage, so for this reason in two thirds of patientsit is diagnosed in the advanced stage. Since this cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms, itgrows in the abdominal cavity for a longer period without causing certain symptoms. However, stomach bloatedness, pelvic and abdominal pain,feeling full really fast, urination problems, pain during intercourse, painful menstruation, nausea and vomiting are some of the symptoms of this disease. In recent years, it is believed that the drastic loss of weight is one of the symptoms of this disease.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed with a gynecological examination. With the help of an ultrasound, the gynecologist can diagnose ovarian cancer and can determine whether it is malignant or benign by certain characteristics. After the gynecological examination, if there is a suspicion for ovarian cancer, laboratory tumor markers are performed. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance are additional diagnostic procedures. The definitive diagnosis is set after the operation, after the suspicious material is histologically examined and the type and stage of the disease is confirmed which determines the further treatment.

Treatment

Ovarian cancer can be treated. The ovarian cancer treatment usually includes surgery. In patients who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease there is no need for other treatment besides surgery. In others, chemotherapy follows after the postoperative treatment or in case of a locally advanced disease, the treatment can be initiated with chemotherapy and surgery would follow. New target therapy is available for patients at Acibadem Sistina Hospital that acts directly on the cancer cells which results in achieving successful results in ovarian cancer treatment.

The latest generation of cytostatic drugs, that provide the best results in cancer treatment, is available at Acibadem Sistina Hospital. Patients receive the cytostatic therapy at the daily hospital, which disposes of 11 separate cubicles equipped to provide maximum privacy and comfort.

Why does the new generation of cytostatic drugs assure success in treatment?

Thanks to the advances in medicine, the composition of drugs that are used in cancer treatment has changed over the years in order for the treatment become more efficient. The advantage of the last generation of cytostatic drugs is that they have maximum effect on the destruction of cells and have smaller side effects to the patient.

Individual therapy plan with cytostatic drugs

The patients are treated with the most advanced oncological therapy which is created individually according to the performed molecular analysis at the Histopathology Laboratory. Patients can make all necessary tests in one day. Results are reviewed by doctors from various specialties, which is part of the multidisciplinary approach for patient treatment in our hospital.

Patients can receive treatment at home

Recent news from the Department of Oncology at Acibadem Sistina Hospital is that patients who need to receive several days, uninterrupted chemotherapy, can implement it at home, using a chemotherapy pump that can be worn under the clothes. This opportunity is available for the first time in Macedonia.

The most advanced biological therapy that affects the cancer cell receptors is available at the Center for Oncology and Radiotherapy. Using the biological target therapy results in eliminating cancer cells by stopping their activity and division, whereby cells die naturally.

With this revolutionary therapy, the cancers receive a chronic course since the tumor exists, but is notspreading and it dies naturally over time. Biological drugs are actually a type of antibodies that have the ability to recognize cancer cells and stop their growth.

The advantage of this therapy is that drugs do not destroy healthy cells of the body which does not impair the general condition of the patient. This therapy has been a revolutionary discovery in recent years, achieving excellent results in the treatment of certain types of cancers. Studies show that biological therapy has great results in breast cancer treatment, since these cancer cells are sensitive and respond well to the target treatment.