Cancer Detection by X ray Studies.

Radiology has an important role to play in completing cancer investigations. From taking a plain x ray to more specialized radiology studies are being  conducted, which can help detect cancer in early stages, know the size and location of the tumor and also know of its metastasis.

Radiology Testing for Cancer.

• A plain X ray may give evidence in certain cancers. For example a growth in the lungs can be visualized on plain X ray and so can a bone growth. Below are shown two x rays —  x ray of normal lung and x ray showing lung cancer.

X ray of lung cancer.

• CT Scan or Computed Tomography Scan is an imaging procedure which provides horizontal and vertical cross section images of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. It provides the doctor with exact location and size of a growth and presence of any invasion into the neighboring tissues, if any. It is useful in diagnosing the presence of growth in lung, pancreas and liver.

Image of CT Scanning being done.

(Click on image to enlarge).

• MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is radiological investigation  which provides detailed images of structures in the body using magnetic waves. It proves to be specially useful for the study of the brain, heart, liver, reproductive organs, pancreas and soft tissues. It provides a more detailed picture to the doctor than a CT scan for certain tissues.
• PET scan or Positron Emission Tomography is a procedure of nuclear science which has given a new level of study to diagnose cancer. PET studies help to study the metabolism, physiology, anatomy and the properties of the organ and the tissues. Its detailed digital pictures help to identify activity at cellular level.  Its advantage over CT scan and MRI, therefore lies in the fact that it can help diagnose cancer even before any anatomical changes take place. It also helps to differentiate between benign and malignant changes.
• Mammography is a specialized X ray procedure where the breasts are x rayed for confirmation or sign of any tumor. Mammography can detect breast tumor much before it can be felt by hand. It is recommended in patients of breast cancer and also in patients exposed to high cancer risk factors.
• Endoscopic ultrasound. This is a useful procedure used especially to view and detect a growth inside the G.I. tract. (gastrointestinal tract) and the pancreas. This endoscope is more specialized than a normal endoscope as it can help view the surrounding tissues as well. An endoscopic ultrasound also has the facility to take a biopsy of a suspected tissue for histopathology studies, to confirm cancer.

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1. Screening for Cancer|Gene Testing For Cancer.
2. Diagnosis and Testing for Breast Cancer.
3. Types of Cancer.
4. Diet and Foods to Prevent Cancer. (Part 3)
5. Breast Cancer Symptoms with Breast Cancer Pictures.