February 14, 2013

Early Warning System

A brief, painless scan can detect cancer before it spreads

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2013

What is PET/CT?

PET/CT is a medical imaging technique that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and an X-ray Computed Tomography (CT). The device is used to diagnose possible cancer by creating three-dimensional images of metabolic activity within the human body. The PET/CT scan identifies the shape and location of internal organs, and produces high quality images to seamlessly investigate cancer over a broad range of the body, in a relatively quick and stress-free way.

Since cancer cells feed on more glucose than normal cells, they are easily identifiable using a chemical agent called FDG, which has a similar molecular structure to that of glucose. Cancer and other abnormalities appear on the scan in the form of clearly visible dark marks. The PET/CT scan is the most efficient means of cancer detection and in 2000 was dubbed “Invention of the Year” by Time magazine.

Types of cancers detected

The PET/CT scan efficiently identifies the following types of cancer: lung, breast, colorectal, head/neck, pancreatic, ovarian, metastatic liver, as well as malignant melanoma and lymphoma. PET/CT scans can help diagnose a disease often before it shows up on other tests, find out how an existing condition is developing, and distinguish benign from severe tumors. However, not all types of cancer are detectable, as certain characteristics of organs or cancers prevent their manifestation on the imaging.

Painless, efficient and professional

The scan itself lasts only 20 minutes, and is completely painless. The examination takes approximately two hours and the results are explained in person by the attending physician only a few weeks later.

Yotsuya Medical Cube is widely known for being one of the top clinics in Japan in terms of their facility scale, number of exams performed and accuracy. The sophisticated equipment and technology used at the clinic are not available in all countries and Japan’s national health insurance covers PET/CT scans for all malignant diseases except for early gastric cancer.

Right now, YMC is offering a ¥13,000 discount for the first ten Metropolis readers who book an appointment. The scan is ¥135,000 (after discount) which includes Japanese-to-English translation fees. Medical services in languages other than English may incur additional charges—or may not be available. Please be sure to ask the staff at YMC if this is something you need.

Turning lives around

One simple surgery can help get obesity under control and give those who suffer from it a new lease on life

In December 2010, when US citizen James Rader turned up at Yotsuya Medical Cube for his appointed surgery, he could not walk the short distance between the train station and clinic without taking a few breaks to sit down along the way. In fact, he couldn’t even go up and down the stairs in his own home.

Two short weeks after his gastric bypass surgery, Mr. Rader found himself on a plane back to America to visit relatives. So started a new life—one filled with travel, exercise, social events, and a newfound zest for living. His size-54 trousers were replaced with size 36, and he’s barely recognizable from his pre-surgery photos.

Rader was inspired to receive the procedure after his wife Leona’s positive experience at Yotsuya Medical Cube a year earlier. “The staff at Yotsuya Medical Cube is so personable”, she comments. “They are attentive, smiling, and speak fluent English. Everything was explained in detail, the tests were thorough, and we had full disclosure of personal information.” So enthusiastic of their experience are they, that the Raders wish to remain open about it and spread the word, hoping to help others suffering from obesity and its associated afflictions.

“The doctors are honest and open, and the whole staff—from nurses and surgeons to nutritionists and counselors—were phenomenal,” adds Mrs. Rader.
Not only have these procedures turned the Raders’ lives around, but they have also cleared up a handful of obesity-related illnesses including sleep apnea, diabetes and depression. “What we gave up is not important,” they agree. “Life is important.”

The staff

Yotsuya Medical Cube was recently certified as part of the prestigious ICE (International Center of Excellence) program, which ensures the safest, highest quality of care delivered to bariatric and metabolic surgery patients worldwide

Dr Kazunori Kasama, MD

Dr. Kasama is a director of the Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Center at YMC, and member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). He has performed more bariatric surgeries in Japan since 2002 than any other practitioner, and has performed live surgery demonstrations all over the world.

Dr. Yosuke Seki, MD

Dr. Seki is a consultant surgeon at the Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Center at YMC. He performed a number of bariatric operations, mainly laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), when he was a surgical fellow at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. He is a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO).