In the Diagnostic Imaging Department at St. Vincent's
Comprehensive Cancer Center, our specially trained radiologists
and technologists use an array of sophisticated medical
equipment and technology to detect and diagnose cancer,
and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Delivery of care is streamlined with our Picture Archive
Communication System (PACS). PACS is a computer program
that allows doctors to access your diagnostic images
and reports from any workstation in the Cancer Center,
the main hospital campus, or any remote location using
a secure, password-protected web site.
While you are a patient at SVCCC, you may receive one
or more of the following procedures:
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed
Tomography (CT)
PET is a powerful imaging technique that provides unique
information about the body's chemistry, cell function
and exact location of disease. It allows for many diseases,
including cancer, to be seen in their earliest stages.
CT scans use a computer to combine a series of x-rays
and produce a three-dimensional image of internal organs
and structures within the body.
PET/CT imaging is used routinely to distinguish between
non-cancerous (benign) tumors and cancerous (malignant)
tumors, evaluate if a cancer has spread (metastasized)
to other areas of the body, help your physician plan
your treatment, and evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy
and radiation therapy.
Multi-slice Computed Tomography (MSCT)
MSCT is an ultra-fast form of CT scanning that produces
highly detailed three-dimensional images of the brain,
lungs, liver, colon, and other organs. This technique
helps doctors evaluate the size and shape of tumors
for staging, assess post-treatment complications such
as blood clots or infection, plan radiation therapy,
and detect acute abnormalities.
Computed Radiography (CR)
Advances in computer technology have armed doctors
with new tools in the fight against cancer, while also
improving time-tested procedures such as general x-ray
imaging. At SVCCC, general x-ray imaging is completely
computerized. With computed radiography, doctors can
view digital x-ray images on a computer screen immediately
after they are taken, eliminating the need to process
films.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Doctors often use MRI in conjunction with other imaging
procedures to detect breast cancer, high-grade brain
tumors, and many other cancers. The powerful technique
uses radio waves and magnetic fields to obtain superbly
detailed anatomical images of the body. MRI also helps
doctors track tumor markers that are produced when a
tumor grows.
Nuclear Medicine
This sensitive imaging technique enables physicians
to see how the body's cells metabolize. This is accomplished
by using a small amount of radioactive material attached
to a specific pharmaceutical that will be incorporated
by one of the many physiological processes of the body.
Images are then obtained to demonstrate how cells utilize
these radioactive materials. This determines if they
are functioning normally or abnormally.
Nuclear medicine plays a very important role in differentiating
between non-cancerous (benign) tumors and cancerous
(malignant) tumors, identifying how blood is supplied
to tumors, and evaluating if a cancer has spread to
other areas of the body (metastasized).
Ultrasound (Sonography)
Ultrasound uses sound waves to image the body in "real
time," allowing your doctor to determine the size,
location, and blood flow distribution to many types
of tumors. Ultrasound is the imaging tool of choice
to guide needle biopsies, because it offers "real-time"
imaging capabilities.
Breast
Imaging
Breast Imaging is also available in the St.
Vincent's Comprehensive Breast Center.
