BICRAD radiology

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.




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.

Ultrasound 101- All Of Your Ultrasound Questions Answered

Most people have heard of ultrasound and associate this common imaging procedure with pregnancy. What many people don’t realize is that ultrasounds can be used to detect a wide variety of medical issues - in fact, ultrasound can be used in a number of situations outside of pregnancy. Today we’re going over some of the most frequently asked questions about ultrasounds!

9 Reasons You Might Need A CT Scan

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:

What Is A Bone Densitometry Test?

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:

Mammograms Explained: Duration, Radiation Exposure, & More

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.

Breast Cancer Screening Procedures: Mammogram vs. Ultrasound vs. MRI - Which is Right for You?

There are several types of procedures used for breast cancer screening, each with different benefits and different scenarios in which they might be used. Here’s an overview on three of the most common ones: mammogram, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI.

What Is A Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a popular imaging technique used to diagnose diseases or to guide radiologists during treatment procedures. Fluoroscopy allows radiologists to gain a detailed look inside the patient’s skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems to gain insight and help diagnose illnesses or abnormalities. Below, we take a look at everything you need to know about fluoroscopy including what it is, what it’s used for, and how long it takes.

PA Spotlight: Getting To Know Hans Han

It’s National PA Week, and here at BICRAD we’re thankful to have a number of amazing PA’s on staff. This week we wanted you to get to know Hans Han, an incredibly talented Physician Assistant who is Board Certified in Interventional Radiology. We sat down and asked him a couple of questions about life as a PA, his professional accomplishments, and what he loves doing when he’s not in the office. Here are his responses!

Everything You Need To Know About Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroids affect a significant portion of women in the US, but until very recently the condition was very difficult to treat while maintaining fertility. In recent years, interventional radiology has been used to treat uterine fibroids in a minimally invasive and very safe way. This is done through Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which is a safe and effective non-surgical option for women to consider when dealing with uterine fibroids. Before we explain what UFE is and how it works, it’s important to ask the question: “what are uterine fibroids?”

Interventional Radiology 101: What Is An Angiogram?

Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology, which utilizes imaging tests as seeing-guides to facilitate minimally-invasive procedures, such as an angiogram. What Is An Angiogram? Well, An angiogram is a type of interventional radiology procedure that uses X-ray technology to guide a small tube called a catheter through the patient’s major arteries.

Exploring The Different Types Of Ultrasounds: 2D, 3D, 4D, & Doppler

Unless you’re familiar with the technology, you might not know that there are different types of ultrasounds including 2-D, 3-D, 4-D, and Doppler ultrasounds. In this article we’ll take some time to dive into the different types of ultrasounds available and the differences between them.

Lung Cancer Screening: What Is A Low Dose CT Scan?

In order to better detect the early development of lung cancer, many radiology centers offer traditional CT scan screenings of the chest. Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening are a technique specifically recommended for detecting lung cancer in certain types of patients - traditionally those that are high-risk. A high-risk smoker is classified as people age 55 to 80 who have a 30 “pack year” smoking history. 

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What's The Difference Between CT And MRI?

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Often times, patients ask us “What’s the difference between a CT scan and an MRI Scan?” These scans can seem pretty similar at first glance, but in reality, they are vastly different in the tasks that they perform and their functionality. We’re here to help clear the air and educate patients about the key differences between CT scans and MRI scans.

Selecting An Imaging Center: Why Quality Matters

Choosing an imaging facility is an important decision and important decisions take time, effort, and care. Not all imaging facilities are created equal, and no two patients are the same. Deciding on an imaging facility ensures that you are placing trust in a place and people you trust. And nothing is more important than your health. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your imaging facility.

Men's Health Month: Ways You Can Get Involved

June is Men’s Health Month, which is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, and other health activities and opportunities aimed at promoting awareness and early detection for the diseases that are most prevalent in men. Below, we will talk about common health issues that affect men and how you can get involved in Men’s Health Month.

Can You Get An MRI If You Have A Pacemaker?

Formerly MRIs were not supposed to be performed on patients with cardiac pacemakers, but after extensive research, radiology professionals at the American College of Radiology recently concluded that patients with pacemakers CAN safely undergo MRI procedures with the proper machines. Learn more about the specifications for these machines, which are offered at local San Francisco imaging centers by BICRAD.

Osteoporosis Prevention Tips

Although for most people it’s impossible to completely avoid any bone density loss as they age, there are some things you can start doing at a young age to strengthen your bones and decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis. Here are our top tips for osteoporosis prevention:

The New Moms’ Guide To An Ultrasound Exam

When it comes to pregnancy, ultrasound exam are one of the most exciting things an expecting mother can look forward to. Here’s everything you need to know about how ultrasounds work, and what to expect at your first, second, and third trimester exam.