Cancer Diagnosis

If you or your doctor notices a suspicious skin lesion, our dermatologists can evaluate it and determine whether further action is needed. With locations in Latham, NY, Community Care’s dermatology team assesses skin changes and performs traditional biopsies when necessary to identify the type and extent of disease.

If cancer is confirmed, a number of treatment options may be appropriate, including surgical removal of the cancer by a general or plastic surgeon, and/or referral to radiation oncology.

General surgeons play a key role in diagnosing many types of cancer. Whether it’s a minor procedure or a more involved operation, General Surgery works closely with other specialists to screen, diagnose, and treat cancer.

Our surgeons perform preventive procedures, such as removing precancerous polyps from the colon, as well as diagnostic biopsies and cancer excisions. Many biopsies are done using minimally invasive techniques, including small needle sampling or flexible endoscopes.

The Interventional and Endoscopy Suite offers upper and lower endoscopic services on an outpatient basis in a comfortable setting. Our board-certified surgeons and specialized nursing staff use the latest techniques to diagnose and evaluate disease. Common procedures include:

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy
• Core needle biopsy
• Excisional or incisional biopsy
• Endoscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Open surgical exploration
• Staging to determine how much cancer is present and how far it has spread

Medical imaging produces detailed pictures of your body’s structures and organs to help detect tumors and other abnormalities, determine the extent of disease, and assess how treatment is working. ImageCare Medical Imaging offers a full range of diagnostic services interpreted by board-certified, subspecialized radiologists with decades of experience.

Whether you need a mammogram, MRI, CT/cat scan, PET scan, or ultrasound, you’ll benefit from advanced imaging technology in comfortable, convenient locations with flexible scheduling and ample parking.

Interventional radiologists provide minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These cutting-edge techniques often reduce recovery time compared with traditional surgery and may be appropriate for diagnosing certain cancers or complications. Interventional radiology services include:

• Targeted biopsies guided by imaging
• Tumor ablation using heat (radiofrequency, laser, microwave) or cold (cryotherapy)
• Embolization procedures
• Relief of obstructions and pain
• Catheter placement to drain fluids
• Chemoembolization in select cases

Our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in precision techniques that help define disease and, in many cases, treat tumors with fewer risks than open surgery.