Cancer is a complex disease that requires precise diagnosis and treatment. Imaging plays a vital role in cancer care, from early detection to staging and surveillance.
Imaging tests can reveal abnormalities in the body that may be cancerous. They can also help doctors determine the size, shape and location of a tumor. This information is important for planning cancer treatment. Imaging tests are used to create pictures of the inside of your body. They can be used to look for cancer, find out how far it has spread, and to help see if treatment is working.
Different Imaging techniques
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes. Computed tomography (CT) scan is a powerful tool that can be used to detect cancer at an early stage.
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The X-rays are passed through the body from different angles and are detected by a computer to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the body. The CT images can then be viewed on a screen or printed on film.
CT scans are painless and take just a few minutes to perform. They are usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. CT scans are an important tool in the diagnosis of cancer. They can be used to detect tumors, assess the extent of the disease and determine the best course of treatment.
A Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. An MRI can be used to diagnose cancer, as well as other conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful imaging technique that can provide detailed information about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. MRI is particularly well suited for imaging cancer because it can provide high-resolution images of soft tissue, which is often where cancer first develops. MRI can also detect very small lesions that may not be visible on other imaging modalities such as X-ray or CT. Cancerous tissue contains more water than normal tissue, so it shows up as bright white on an MRI scan. By contrast, healthy tissue appears dark. This makes it possible for doctors to see if there are any abnormal growths in the body. MRI scans are painless and don’t involve exposure to ionizing radiation. They can be used to image nearly any part of the body, including the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis etc.
Mammography is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breast used to detect breast cancer. It is the most effective screening tool we have to find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. A mammogram can find tumors that are too small to feel and even some microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium in the breast tissue) that may indicate the presence of breast cancer.
While mammograms are very good at finding breast cancer, they are not perfect. So, it’s important to remember that having an abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer.
There are two types of mammograms:
- Screening mammograms: Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. These mammograms usually involve two x-rays of each breast. They are typically performed every year beginning at age 40.
- Diagnostic mammograms: Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have signs or symptoms of the disease, such as a lump in the breast, nipple discharge, or a change in the size or shape of the breast. Diagnostic mammograms usually involve two x-rays of each breast. They may also include additional views of any abnormal areas that were found on the screening mammogram.
There are some risks associated with mammography, but these risks are very small. The benefits of mammography far outweigh the risks.
Mammography can save lives by finding breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. If you are 40 or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every year. And if you have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer, be sure to see your doctor right away.
Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is used to examine many different parts of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, breasts, and thyroid gland. Ultrasound can also be used to guide biopsies and other procedures.
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Ultrasound can be used to help diagnose cancer by creating images of suspicious areas. It can also be used to guide biopsies and other procedures.
Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure. There are no known risks associated with ultrasound.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a variety of treatment options. These may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
Ultrasound can play an important role in cancer treatment. It can be used to help your doctor determine if your cancer has spread, and it can also be used to guide biopsies and other procedures. Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure, and it has no known risks.
A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses special equipment to create pictures of the inside of your body. The images show how well your tissues and organs are functioning. A PET scan can be used to diagnose cancer, because it can show if there is cancer in the body and where it is located. A PET scan can also be used to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
It is usually done in conjunction with a CT scan or MRI, as these tests can provide more detailed information about the structure of the body.
Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is a radioactive tracer that is used in PET scans. The tracer works by binding to glucose molecules in the body and emit radioactivity that can be detected by the scanner.
The purpose of using FDG in PET scans is to allow doctors to identify areas of high metabolism or activity in the body. This can be helpful in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, because cancer cells tend to have a higher metabolism than normal cells.
FDG is not without risks, however. The radiation from the tracer can be harmful if it’s not used properly, and some people may be allergic to FDG. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether an FDG PET scan is right for you.