Oftentimes the earlier cancer is caught, the better the outcome for the patient. We understand the importance of swift, frictionless access to specialist consultants and diagnostic tests that help you find answers, sooner – which is why we’ve created our rapid-access diagnostic pathways.
Our pathways support rapid diagnosis for a range of cancers, including:
All pathways include a consultation, diagnostic tests, and a follow-up appointment to discuss your case. Your consultation and tests can often take place on the same day.
Whether you’re experiencing worrying symptoms or simply want peace of mind about your health, our one-stop checks provide a full and comprehensive assessment of your lung health.
It is advisable to have a lung check-up if you have a history of heavy smoking, currently smoke, and are over 50 years old.
Your consultation, tests, and any recommended treatment will be carried out all under one roof, in the quiet, modern surroundings of our state-of-the-art South Kensington hospital.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of diagnostic imaging procedure that uses magnets and radio waves to produce images of the inside of your body.
MRI scans are particularly useful for assessing tumours located in the brain, bones, pelvic organs, and spinal cord.
At Cromwell Hospital, our MRI scanners can carry out a full body scan 30% faster than most machines. You can also choose your own lighting, wall images, and music to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses X-ray and computer software to create detailed images of inside your body. It is sometimes also known as a CAT scan.
CT scans are often used to diagnose cancers, as they provide important information such as the cancer’s location, size, and proximity to other organs. You may have them during and after your treatment, to see how well it has worked.
PET-CT scan
A PET-CT scan is a combination of a PET scan and a CT scan, which are carried out at the same time. This combined scan is often considered one of the best types for diagnosing cancer.
PET-CT scans provide crucial information about your cancer, such as how big it is, where it is located, and whether it has spread. They can also help inform treatment plans, and show how well your treatment is working.
As part of the PET scan, you will be injected with a radioactive substance called a radiotracer (isotope). This builds up in different areas of the body and helps highlight abnormalities.
Mammography, also known as breast screening or breast X-ray, is used to detect changes that have occurred in breast tissue.
While the NHS provides screening for women aged 47 and over, many women choose to have private breast screenings for peace of mind.
At Cromwell Hospital, our expert-led mammography service utilises state-of-the-art imaging technology and provides results in just one to two days.
We also provide mammography services at Basinghall Clinic, our outpatient centre in the heart of the City.
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs such as the stomach, heart, tendons, muscles, joints, and blood vessels.
Ultrasound scans can help diagnose a broad range of cancers, as well as guide clinicians during the taking of tissue samples (biopsies).
An X-ray scan is a type of diagnostic imaging procedure that doctors use to help diagnose and monitor health conditions.
An X-ray machine works by projecting a beam of X-rays through a specific part of your body. A detector picks up the X-ray beams as they pass through the body and converts them into a visible image for your radiologist to read and interpret.
An X-ray scan may be used to see if cancer has affected the bones. It may also be used to assess cases of lung cancer and oral cancer.
We provide a comprehensive genetic testing service, which allows us to understand both a patient’s predisposition to cancer, and the specific genetic mutation of an existing cancer.
Some types of cancer are more commonly associated with certain genes, and patients with these genes are more at risk of developing cancer. Understanding the genetics behind cancer can not only help with diagnosis, but it can also guide oncologists on deciding what cancer treatment or medicine will work best for each individual patient.
Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that involves using certain drugs to destroy cancer cells. Patients at Cromwell Hospital benefit from access to the latest and most well-established cancer drugs.
Our newly refurbished Chemotherapy Day Unit provides a calm, comfortable environment in which patients relax and can receive their treatment, staffed by specialist nurses and care teams.
To make the patient experience more comfortable, we also provide DigniCap™ – an innovative treatment designed to help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy – and personalised food menus.
Radiotherapy can be used to destroy tumours, to shrink tumours before surgery, or to kill off remaining cancer cells after surgery or chemotherapy. It is also used to treat the symptoms and control the spread of cancer.
Our radiotherapy partnership with GenesisCare means that we can offer the most advanced radiotherapy treatments in Europe, including:
- Gamma Knife Icon for brain and spinal tumours
- Varian Edge for all tumour types, including stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for all body sites
- MRIdian MR Linac for inoperable tumours in the liver, pancreas, and other organs
- selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)
With our advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities, Cromwell Hospital can provide minimally invasive and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, robotic surgery, and open surgery for all types of cancer.
We utilise the very latest innovations, including 3D modelling for post-operative planning, SCOUT® for pinpointing tumours prior to breast surgery, and the da Vinci XI robot for greater precision and improved recovery times.
We provide a range of therapies to support you throughout treatment, including:
- cancer counselling
- Holistic Care Clinic
- physiotherapy
- occupational therapy
- dietetics
- Head and Neck Survivorship Clinic
- speech and language therapy
- and more
Depending on the type of cancer being treated, patients will receive access to cancer companion app, Vinehealth. The app – which can be viewed by your care team – allows you to record symptoms and side effects, manage medication and appointments, and much more.
Cromwell Hospital is home to some of UK’s best oncologists, with experts available in all types of cancer.
There are two types of oncologists (consultants who specialise in cancer): medical oncologists and clinical oncologists.
Medical oncologists specialise in treating cancer with drugs (such as chemotherapy), while clinical oncologists specialise in a combined approach of drug therapy and radiotherapy.
Cromwell Hospital has a wide range of private medical and clinical oncologists, who specialise in different types of cancer, as well as surgeons and other supporting healthcare professionals.
Modern Matron
Our Oncology Modern Matron plays an integral role in overseeing our nursing team, ensuring we always deliver the highest standards of care and treatment.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are nurses who have specifically trained in a certain field of medicine – in this case, oncology. Our nurses have an advanced knowledge of cancer and its treatment, and will be on hand to support you throughout your healthcare journey.
Helen Story, Specialist Macmillan Cancer Counsellor, provides a safe, supportive environment for patients and their families to explore their feelings around cancer.
Our oncology physiotherapists create bespoke exercise programmes that help ease the symptoms and side effects of cancer.
Our team of occupational therapists help manage and reduce the impact of cancer on a patient’s daily life.
Our speech and language therapists provide treatment and support for people who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing.
Our expert dietitians provide nutritional advice and bespoke meal plans to help support patients throughout their treatment.
Our award-winning palliative care team provide an important service for patients with end-stage cancer, offering exceptional individualised physical and psychological care.