What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a common treatment procedure for cancer that uses drug therapy to destroy cancerous cells that grow from organs or blood in the body. The drugs inhibit the further growth and spread of cancerous cells and different combinations of medications can be used to destroy cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells completely, and is often used in combination with other therapies, such as radiation, surgery or hormone therapy. It often follows the surgical removal of tumours so that any lingering cancer cells can be killed as well. Chemotherapy may be used to shrink a tumour prior to it's surgical removal. It can also treat cancer cells that have metastasised to other parts of the body far away from the primary tumour.
Chemotherapy is also used for non-cancer conditions such as preparing for a bone marrow stem cell transplant or it can be given in lower doses to control an overactive immune system.
Conditions We Treat
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the number one cancer among Singaporean women. It usually occurs when harmful (malignant) cells originate from the cells lining the milk ducts and glands. In advanced breast cancer, cancerous cells can spread through the breast to the rest of the body.
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Blood Cancer (Leukemia)
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that causes the production of abnormally high white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system involved in protecting the body against infectious disease. Like red blood cells that carry oxygen, they are produced in the bone marrow and an overproduction of them causes serious health issues including anaemia.
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Blood Cancer (Lymphoma)
Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells. Also called lymphocytes, these cells are part of the immune system. Abnormality in the lymphocytes causes them to grow uncontrollably, which leads to the development of tumours. As a result, these cells are no longer able to perform their actual role of protecting the body from disease and infection.
The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is also called colon cancer, and is the cancer of the colon and rectum caused by polyps that grow and become cancerous. Located at the lower part of your digestive system, colorectal polyps usually start as non-cancerous benign or tissue growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
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Gynecological Cancers
Gynecological cancers develop in the female reproductive organs, such as the cervix, the vagina, the vulva, the uterus, the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that can affect the cells that line the vaginal canal. Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer that affects the vulva, or the outer part of the female genitalia. Endometrial or uterine cancer is the cancer of the uterus. Ovarian cancer is the cancer of the ovaries. Fallopian tube cancer is a rare cancer that affects the fallopian tubes. Peritoneal cancer is another rare form of cancer but can appear as ovarian cancer on initial diagnosis.
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Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is the cancer of the kidney. The kidneys are located in the abdomen on either side of the spine and they filter waste from your blood and make urine. Renal cell carcinoma is cancer that forms in the lining of tiny tubules in the kidney and is the most common form of kidney cancer.
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Head and Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers are cancers that occur in the head and neck region.They can occur in the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands.
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Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is the cancer of the liver. The liver is located on the right side of the abdomen and it's function is to filter and detoxify the blood that circulates the body from toxins, and produces bile essential for digestion. Liver cancer occurs when cancer cells develop in the tissues of the liver.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the cancer of the lung and is a condition where a malignant tumour is present in the tissues of the lungs. The lungs are located on either side of the chest and receive oxygen from the air when we breathe and transfers it into the bloodstream. They also transfer the carbon dioxide in our body to the atmosphere when we exhale. Most lung cancer cases are caused by long-term tobacco smoking. Lung cancer may also be determined by genetic factors and exposure to various chemicals and air pollution.
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the cancer of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ is between the stomach, liver and intestine in your abdomen. Digestive enzymes are released by the pancreas into the small intestine to aid the digestion of food. Hormones, insulin and glucagon are also released by the pancreas into the bloodstream. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and is usually discovered only in the later stages. The most common type is pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer among men. The disease occurs when cancer cells form in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland located between the penis and bladder. Prostate cancer in its early stages is usually localized, but it can spread to other organs if left untreated.
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Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the cancer of the skin and is also known as melanoma. The skin is the body’s largest organ and protects it against sunlight, heat, injury, and infection. It also helps control body temperature and has several layers. The two main layers are the upper or outer layer called the epidermis, and the lower or inner layer called the dermis. The epidermis is made up of three kinds of cells, the squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes that make melanin.
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Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is the cancer of the stomach and is also known as gastric cancer. Stomach cancer usually develops in the lining of the stomach and the most common type of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma.
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Nose Cancer
Nose cancer, or nasopharyngeal cancer as is more accurately named, occurs when cells of the lining of the passageway behind the nose, called the nasopharynx multiply abnormally to form a tumour. The most common cell type for nasopharyngeal cancer in Singapore is called undifferentiated carcinoma, which is strongly associated with a virus called Epstein Barr Virus (EBV).
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Our Facilities
From complex care to straightforward procedures, we strive to provide exceptional care to you and your loved ones by continuously ensuring our facilities are suited to your healthcare needs.
Inpatient Suite
Our Inpatient Suites are located at levels 7 to 10 and are equipped with features to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
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Major Surgery Suite
The Major Surgery Suites is the place where major surgical operations are performed. This ultra modern facility allows a comprehensive range of surgical procedures including intra-abdominal operations, breast surgery, vascular surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, urology, gynae-oncology surgery and orthopaedic surgery, to be performed in a safe, secure and sterile environment.
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