Cancer Detection & Staging

Cancer detection and staging rely heavily on high-quality imaging to identify tumors, determine whether they have spread, and guide treatment planning. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our radiologists use CT, MRI, PET/CT, and ultrasound to accurately visualize disease, assist with biopsy planning, and track response to therapy.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Cancer evaluation may begin because of symptoms, abnormal bloodwork, or an incidental finding on routine imaging. Common reasons for referral include:

• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Persistent pain or swelling
• Abnormal screening results (mammogram, colonoscopy, PSA, etc.)
• Laboratory abnormalities (elevated liver enzymes, calcium level, tumor markers)

Diagnosis

Imaging plays a central role in confirming the presence of a tumor and identifying its spread and stage. Commonly used radiologic tests include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Evaluates chest, abdomen, pelvis, lungs, liver, lymph nodes
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Useful for brain, spine, liver, pelvis, and soft-tissue tumors
• Integrated positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT): Detects metabolically active cancer and metastatic disease
• Ultrasound: Identifies masses in the thyroid, abdomen, pelvis, or breast

When needed, an image-guided biopsy can be performed to obtain a sample of tissue safely and precisely.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, all imaging follows national cancer-staging guidelines, including TNM (tumor, nodes, metastases) and RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors).^{1, 2}

1. Rosen, Ryan D., and Amit Sapra. “TNM Classification.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 13 Feb. 2023.

2. Xu, Zhilong, et al. “Tumor Therapeutics in the Era of ‘RECIST’: Past, Current Insights, and Future Prospects.” Oncology Reviews, vol. 18, 18 Oct. 2024.

Treatment Guidance & Management

Imaging results help assess:

• Clinical cancer stage (I–IV)
• Tumor size and location
• Whether the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs
• The optimal surgical or medical treatment approach

Our radiologists work closely with oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and interventional radiologists to ensure treatment is personalized to each patient.

Ongoing Management & Monitoring

Cancer imaging does not end after diagnosis. It continues throughout treatment to evaluate:

• Response to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation
• Stability or shrinkage of measurable tumors
• Recurrence or new disease after treatment completion

Follow-up intervals vary based on the type of cancer and the treatment plan.