Imaging is an important tool that can help physicians develop the best
treatment plan for each patient. Advancements in imaging are helping Aurora bring innovative treatments to cancer patients.
Our radiologists use state-of-the art diagnostic equipment beyond the
general X-ray to detect cancer, including:
Ultrasound – uses sound waves to view internal body
structures and to examine blood flow in different areas of the body. It
can be used to view breasts, gallbladder, heart, kidneys, liver,
ovaries, pancreas, prostate gland, testes, thyroid gland and uterus.
Ultrasound is also used as a guide for core and aspiration biopsies.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – utilizes magnetic fields
and radio waves to provide very detailed views of internal structures of
the body. It is often used for early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors
of the bladder, kidney, liver, lungs, pancreas, reproductive organs,
bone and spleen. A study is underway at St. Luke's to evaluate the use
of MRI to diagnose breast cancer. MRI can provide the needed additional
information about a suspicious area that cannot be picked up with
standard mammography.
Computed Tomography Scan (CT) – offers great clarity and can
show various types of tissue, including bone and blood vessels. CT not
only confirms the presence of a tumor but can show its precise location,
size and involvement with adjacent tissue. CT is also used to guide
needle biopsies or to administer radiation treatments to destroy or
shrink cancerous tumors. St. Luke's uses the advanced 16-slice
Multi-slice Spiral CT with faster scanning capabilities. This allows for
better imaging of organs in motion and improved image resolution making
it easier to identify smaller structures than with previous CT scanners.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – also utilizes a 16-slice
scanner to view biochemical changes in the body to detect cancerous
tumors and the effects of cancer treatment. It may also be used to
determine if a tumor is benign or malignant. PET also has a role in the
diagnosis, staging and restaging of cancer, and in treatment response
evaluation.
Interventional imaging techniques are providing alternative treatment
options to cancer patients:
Chemoembolization – is used to treat liver cancer. During
chemoembolization, 3 chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the
artery that supplies blood to the tumor in the liver. The artery is then
blocked off (embolized) to deprive the tumor of the oxygen and nutrients
it needs to survive.
Radio-frequency ablation – uses radio frequencies passed into
the tumor via a probe inserted through the skin. The radio waves create
friction and heat within the tissue, destroying the cells.
Radio-frequency ablation is being used to treat cancerous lesions in the
liver. St. Luke's is part of a study to relieve pain for patients
with metastasized bone cancer.
Sentinel lymph node localization – detects sentinel lymph
nodes draining a primary tumor. Used in melanoma and breast cancers in
conjunction with intra-operative lymph node localization.
Uterine fibroid embolization – non-surgical treatment of
uterine fibroids.
Colonography – produces images non-invasively by using a
multi-slice tomography scanner and computer virtual reality software to
create 3-dimensional images of the colon.
Such advanced diagnostic and interventional imaging procedures are
leading the way in diagnosing and treating difficult forms of cancer.
For more information, call the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic Hotline at
800-252-2990.
