How is Radiology Used to Detect and Assess Lung Cancer?

For patients with a high risk of lung cancer, early detection through regular screening is vital. The most common imaging tests used in detecting lung cancer include a low dose computed tomography scan, a standard computed tomography chest scan, and a positron emission tomography scan. 

Screening for Lung Cancer

A computed tomography scan, most often referred to as a CT Scan, is a noninvasive test that uses x-ray and computer technology. When undergoing a CT scan, there is a risk of the patient being exposed to radiation. A low dose CT scan, or LDCT scan, provides multiple quality images of the lungs while emitting a much lower amount of radiation to the patient than a standard chest CT. Since lung cancer patients are screened frequently, the low dose CT scan is preferred in order to limit the radiation absorption.

Diagnosis and Assessment

A standard chest CT is performed in order to assess the condition of the lungs and any irregularities in greater detail. A chest CT is able to detect smaller tumors and can provide a diagnosis during the most treatable stage of lung cancer. If the chest CT shows any abnormalities, there may be a need for additional testing to be performed.

A positron emission tomography scan, or PET scan, uses a radioactive tracer injected into the patient to provide information on the metabolic function of cells. A PET scan is used in conjunction with a CT scan to determine the severity of the lung cancer.  It is also used to assess how the patient is responding to their cancer treatment. 

Imaging testing plays a critical part in every stage of a patient’s lung cancer journey, from detection to treatment. Having skilled knowledgeable radiologists that care about their patients can make all the difference. Learn more about our services and locations.




Treating Skin Tumors & Beyond: 7 Uses For Cryotherapy

When it comes to cancer, minimally invasive procedures are in high demand. While radiation and chemotherapy are common options, the side effects can be physically and emotionally draining, at best. Luckily, there are other options for cancer treatment, such as cryoablation. However, cryo treatment’s uses go far beyond cancerous tumors.

10 Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy: How To Prevent Heart Disease

It’s much easier to prevent illness than to recover from it. Lifestyle changes you make now could mean all the difference later in life. February is American Heart Month, meant to spread awareness & action about the causes, treatment, and prevention of heart disease. That’s why we’re kicking the month off with 10 ways to keep your heart happy & free of heart disease!

Fluoroscopy Exam 101: What It Is, How It Works, And What To Expect

Fluoroscopies may not be as well known as MRI and CT scans, but they are simple, painless imaging tests that function much like X-rays and can be used to diagnose or treat an illness. If you’re anxious about an upcoming fluoroscopy exam here is everything you need to know. 
 

What Is Radioactive Sugar: How PET Scans Work

If you’re getting an imaging exam with contrast done soon, you may have heard the term “radioactive sugar”. But what is that? The use of radioactive sugar and imaging has allowed doctors to make major strides in medicine, giving us the opportunity to view inside and see what’s really going on. Let’s break down how it works.

Into The MRI Machine: What Getting An MRI Scan With BICRAD Is Like

Many people come in for their MRI appointment full of nerves. They may worry about the radiation dosage (though MRI actually uses none). They may be anxious about their claustrophobia. Whatever the case may be, BICRAD takes every step to ensure you’re absolutely comfortable during your exam— let’s walk through the procedure together, shall we?

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When it comes to imaging procedures like these (as well as CT scans, ultrasounds, etc.) many patients feel a certain amount of anxiety over this radiation exposure. But did you know that you’re actually exposed to regular doses of radiation in your daily life? Let’s take a look at some of these sources and put things into perspective.

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Often times, patients are a bit confused as to what a radiologist actually does. To put it in layman’s terms, Radiologists are doctors who diagnose and treat certain conditions using a wide variety of imaging techniques, like x-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s. They use these imaging techniques to diagnose everything from broken bones to serious heart conditions and act as important consultants to your primary physician. Learn more:

The Importance Of Year-End Screenings

As the end of the year approaches and deductibles are on the verge of refreshing, we want to remind our patients just how crucial these annual screening procedures are and implore you to take advantage of the end-of-year to finally schedule the appointments you’ve been putting off.

Radiologist Spotlight: Getting To Know Gina Midmore

Today we’re sharing a little bit more about Dr. Gina Midmore, an incredibly talented jack-of-all-trades who holds Board Certifications in not one, but two categories: Women’s Imaging and Musculoskeletal Radiology. We sat down (virtually) and asked her a couple of questions about life as a radiologist, her professional accomplishments, and what she loves doing when she’s not in the office.

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6 Things We're Thankful For This Thanksgiving

The holiday season is a time for celebrating, a time to enjoy being with loved ones, and a time to reflect on all of our blessings. At Bay Imaging Consultants, we have so much to be grateful for. From an amazing staff to the inspiring patients we’re lucky enough to work with, we’ve taken a moment to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for this year.

The Importance Of Lung Cancer Screening

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Many people have heard of CT scans, but not everyone has gotten one and not everyone knows why someone might need to get one. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Do I need a CT scan?” and didn’t know the answer, here are 10 reasons you might need one:

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If you are at risk for bone loss or osteoporosis either due to your age, history, or lifestyle choices, your doctor may recommend that you get a bone density test called bone densitometry. Bone densitometry testing can detect decreasing bone density much earlier than other methods of diagnosis, allowing for treatment at an earlier stage. Learn more about the procedure here:

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Mammograms are the best tool for detecting breast cancer early and giving women a fighting chance to beat the disease before it spreads. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about mammograms,  including answers to the common questions: “what is a mammogram”, “what happens during a mammogram”, “how long does a mammogram take”, and more.

Understanding The Four Types Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women across the United States and the entire world, but despite its prevalence there’s still a lot that people don’t know about the disease. Many people hear the words “breast cancer” and lump all diagnoses into the same category, but there are actually several different types of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma in situ, metastatic breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, and triple-negative breast cancer.

Today we’ll explore each breast cancer type and discuss the difference between invasive cancer and non-invasive cancer.

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Football Season & CTE: Radiology's Vital Role In Diagnosing Head Injuries

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Who doesn’t love football season? Whether it’s college football or the NFL, football season is the time to ignite rivalries and join a fantasy football team. Unfortunately, football injuries can ruin a team’s chances for a winning season and have lifelong effects on the athlete.