Diagnostic Imaging

While there is no single diagnostic test that can accurately diagnose cancer, the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center offers the most sophisticated diagnostic imaging technology available for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Diagnostic imaging can be used to confirm the presence of cancer or to monitor the progression of the disease. Diagnostic imaging can aid in the treatment planning process and is also effective for helping physicians monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Diagnostic imaging may also be used to perform biopsies and other surgical treatments.Types of Diagnostic Imaging include: 

X-Rays

X-Rays are used to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. X-rays may be taken of any part of the body to detect tumor cells.

Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)

A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body that are more detailed than an X-ray. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, organs, and muscles.

Bone Scan

Bone scans are x-rays taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue. Bone scans are used to detect tumors and bone abnormalities.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breast used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women. It is also a very effective for screening early signs of breast cancer when the disease is most treatable. While a mammogram cannot make a definitive diagnosis of cancer, it can indicate suspicious areas in the breast tissue that warrant further testing.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) also is a diagnostic imaging tool used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women. It is an excellent problem-solving technology commonly used to further investigate breast concerns first detected with mammography, physical exam or other imaging exams.

• Also excellent for imaging augmented breasts, including both the breast implant itself and the breast tissue surrounding the implant. (Abnormalities or signs of breast cancer can sometimes be obscured by the implant on a mammogram.)
• MRI is also useful for staging breast cancer, determining the most appropriate treatment, and for patient follow-up after breast cancer treatment.
• MRI imaging can be effective in screening for and diagnosing breast cancer in younger women because the technology is effective in dense breast tissue.

PET/CT

PET is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. PET is an imaging test that helps your cancer team gain important and unique information to help measure and manage your disease.

PET is an imaging technique that relies on changes in tissue biochemistry and the body's metabolism. Most medical imaging techniques, such as x-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, depend on changes in the anatomy or structure of organs. PET is able to show disturbance in molecular biology often before there is any change in anatomy. PET may result in the earlier diagnosis of cancer. Unnecessary procedures and surgery may be avoided if the patient is found to have more extensive disease than expected. Treatment that is more appropriate or even life saving may be offered to the patient shown to have disease that is less advanced than expected.

A costly battery of tests ordinarily required for staging can be reduced by a single PET /CT scan.

Want to learn more about Diagnostic Radiology services offered through SCCC? Click here to send us a question and/or request additional information about the services offered through the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center.