Cancer Imaging and Radiology | Greensboro Radiology

Cancer Imaging

Early Detection

Cancer may be difficult to detect, but for some types of cancer, the earlier it is detected, the better are the chances of treating it effectively. Imaging techniques - methods of producing pictures of the body - have become an important element of early detection for many cancers. But imaging is not simply used for detection. Imaging is also important for determining the stage (telling how advanced the cancer is) and the precise locations of cancer to aid in directing surgery and other cancer treatments, or to check if a cancer has returned.

Cancer screening and diagnosis technology

Clinical trials, research studies involving people, play an essential role in determining whether emerging imaging techniques are effective and safe. For more information, see Cancer Imaging Clinical Trials.

Factors that determine which imaging tests are used in different types of cancer

Many different scans are used to get images of what’s happening inside the body, including x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine scans and others. The tests your health care team recommends may depend on a number of factors, such as:

Where the tumor is and what type it is; some imaging studies work better for certain organs or tissues
Whether or not a biopsy (tissue sample) is needed
The balance between any risks or side effects and the expected benefits
Cost

More information about the tests used for a certain cancer type can be found at www.cancer.org.

RadiologyInfo
RadiologyInfo is designed to answer patient questions related to many radiologic procedures and therapies. It includes images from diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology and radiation therapy, has an alphabetical procedures list and galleries of images. There is access to descriptive material for radiologists to use in their waiting rooms.

 

 

Innovative Physician Partners