It’s no secret that cancer is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. In 2022, nearly 20 million new cancer cases emerged globally. This number is only expected to rise — the International Agency for Research on Cancer predicts that new cancer cases will reach 29.9 million worldwide by 2040.
The good news is that more cancer detection and treatment options exist than ever before, and cancer care is advancing every year. One of the most powerful tools in diagnosing and treating cancer is imaging, which involves a series of tests to take pictures of the inside of the body.
What Is Imaging or Radiology in Cancer?
Generally, an imaging or radiology test involves sending a form of energy — such as an X-ray or sound waves — through the body via a machine. The energy patterns shift when they come into contact with tissue, and an image is created. This picture allows a health care provider, often a radiologist, to see and learn more about what might be going on inside the patient’s body.
When it comes to cancer, imaging is a critical part of diagnosis and treatment. For example, a patient may undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to look at a mass or lump. If the test shows a tumor, the health care provider can determine whether further testing is needed, and additional imaging could help determine other information about the potential cancer, such as its stage.
Different Types of Body Scans for Detecting Cancer
Depending on the patient’s unique situation, they may undergo one or more imaging scans. A radiologist will recommend specific tests based on the patient’s age, sex and overall health, as well as the tumor’s location and type and the scan’s benefits versus its side effects. Some of the most common types of body scans for cancer diagnosis include:
- Computed tomography scans: CT scans, also known as CAT scans, use radiation to display a detailed cross-section view of a specific area in the body. The patient lies down in a large machine, and a thin beam takes pictures from different angles. Because the scan will reveal the shape, size and location of a tumor, cancer can be seen on a CT scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging scans: Similar to CT scans, MRIs take cross-section photos of the patient’s body. However, they use magnets to capture the images, not radiation. These machines also specialize in capturing pictures of soft tissue. MRIs can locate tumors and display signs indicating where cancer has spread in the body.
- Mammograms: A mammogram is an X-ray used to detect breast cancer. These scans are either used for screening in patients with no sign of breast cancer or for diagnosis in patients who show signs of breast cancer. The machine takes low-dose X-rays, resulting in high-quality images of a patient’s breast tissue.
- Ultrasounds: Will an ultrasound show a tumor? An ultrasound is a useful tool for finding tumors in specific areas of the body. In particular, ultrasounds are highly effective at taking images of soft tissue diseases and differentiating fluid-filled cysts from solid tumors. These scans aren’t as detailed as CT scans or MRIs and can’t show whether a tumor is cancer, but they’re quick and don’t expose patients to radiation.
- X-rays: These scans can be used to look for cancer in various areas of the body. X-rays, or radiographs, provide shadow-like images of bones, tissues and organs. Sometimes, a health care provider will conduct a contrast study using iodine-based dyes or contrast materials to show the organs better and take clearer pictures. While X-rays are much less detailed than other imaging methods, they’re quick and easy.
How Does Imaging Make a Difference in Cancer Outcomes?
While many innovative techniques for cancer treatment exist, imaging remains one of the most helpful approaches for reducing cancer mortality risks.
Through imaging tests, health care providers can discover cancer in its early stages when a patient has no symptoms. Imaging can also help health care providers determine when a biopsy is needed so they can see whether a tumor is likely to be cancer. When cancer is detected early through screening, mortality rates for various cancers are reduced.
For example, one study showed that the risk of breast cancer mortality decreased significantly for women with a BRCA1 sequence variation who entered an MRI surveillance program. Those who are at a greater risk for certain types of cancer can undergo routine imaging tests to improve their health outcomes. Even when a person isn’t predisposed to cancer, imaging tests are crucial when the patient displays symptoms, potentially detecting the possible cancer before it spreads.
These reasons all show the “why” behind recommended screenings for various groups. For example, women should begin annual mammograms at age 40, and men with an average risk of prostate cancer should discuss testing with their health care providers at age 50. While imaging tests aren’t perfect, they can be part of the key to locating and treating cancer effectively.
Using Imaging to Create a Cancer Treatment Plan
If cancer is detected through a scan, imaging is necessary throughout cancer treatment. It allows health care providers to learn more about how well certain treatment methods are working — any changes in a tumor will show up during imaging, and the health care team can compare the differences to their baseline photos taken before treatment. These scans can make a considerable difference in finding the proper ways to treat the cancer most effectively.
For instance, maybe a patient has a tumor that hasn’t changed since starting treatment. Through an imaging test like a CT scan, their health care team can keep track of the tumor’s status and consider other forms of treatment. If a patient is in remission after cancer treatment, routine imaging can be used to determine whether the cancer has returned.
Of course, imaging can’t be used alone to treat cancer. It’s just one part of a patient’s overall cancer treatment plan. Other processes and steps, including treatment methods, medicines and therapies, are necessary to cure the cancer and stop it from spreading.
Learn More About Imaging for Cancer Diagnosis at Impression Imaging
If you’re a patient in need of high-quality, convenient medical imaging, Impression Imaging provides expert care from a team of compassionate radiologists and technologists. We take pride in offering various medical imaging services, including comprehensive CT scans, to deliver quality, accurate images for your testing needs.
We also go above and beyond for our patients — medical imaging doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Our team provides private transportation and reliable concierge services for patients and referring offices, and we make the imaging process as smooth and quick as possible. See what our patients and top physicians have to say about us!
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