Oncologic/Cancer

Medical imaging has long been vital to the detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and monitoring of cancer. The role of radiologists in cancer care has expanded with the advent of nuclear medicine, particularly PET. Radiologists are now able to detect cancers at much earlier stages. Advances in imaging hardware and software have enhanced many aspects of cancer care. At Valley Radiologists, we’re proud to use these technologies in the fight against cancer with “interventional oncology.” Using a variety of interventional techniques, our leading-edge interventional radiologists can treat tumors, relieve obstructions, repair cancer-related fractures and much more.

With cancer, radiology serves several important purposes. The first is detection. Imaging can help discover cancers in their very earliest stages, when they may be most treatable and before they have spread. Medical imaging is helpful for determining the precise location and stage of a particular cancer, both of which are essential to treatment. Imaging studies are also used to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. At Valley Radiologists, we use a variety of modalities to provide the most complete and accurate cancer diagnoses possible.

 

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful cancer-fighting tool. Because it images the metabolic activity of cancers, it can reveal cancer at the cellular level even in the absence of structural changes, unlike CT, MRI or ultrasound. As a result, PET is invaluable for detection, cancer staging, treatment planning and monitoring.

With PET and CT combined, we’re able to see metabolic activity within the body. The result is the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy available in cancer imaging today. We get more usable data in less time and the potential to reduce unnecessary biopsy or intervention.

With its ability to directly image and differentiate soft-tissue structures, CT can reveal large space-occupying lesions, tumors and cancer that has spread. CT can reveal the size, spatial location and extent of a tumor. CT’s fast speed makes it able to image tumors in the lungs. CT is also a mainstay in the planning of many cancer therapies.

Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful in the detection of a variety of cancers, tumors of the brain, neck and spine and metastases in the chest, abdomen and bones. MRI of the breast is fast becoming an important diagnostic tool for women with dense breast tissue and a family history of breast cancer.

Nearly all imaging modalities contribute to the detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment and monitoring of cancer. Our subspecialized radiologists combine every modern modality, including digital X-rays, digital mammography and ultrasound to provide truly comprehensive oncologic imaging.

As area leaders in interventional radiology, Valley Radiologists is helping fight cancer directly with interventional oncology. Working with medical and radiation oncologists and other specialists, we’re enhancing patients’ cancer-care team by adding cancer therapies and palliative techniques. Whether as the central cancer physician or in a support role, we focus on continuity of care, collaborating with oncologists, other specialists, primary-care doctors and other vital resources such as home care and hospice.

Thermal Tumor Ablation methods use extreme cold (cryoablation) or radiofrequency-generated heat (RF ablation) to damage and kill tumors in a variety of areas, including the kidneys, liver and lungs.

Chemo Infusion uses imaging guidance to deliver chemotherapy medications directly to the tumor site. This permits higher doses of treatment to the tumor while minimizing the medicine’s impact on the rest of the body.

Chemoembolization delivers anticancer drugs directly to the tumor, after which time the tumor’s blood supply is blocked to allow even higher concentrations of medicine to be in contact with the tumor for longer periods of time.

For vertebral compression fractures related to tumors, we can stabilize the vertebral body (vertebroplasty) and even restore vertebral height (kyphoplasty).

With imaging guidance, our interventional radiologists can drain fluids and aspirate lesions and tumors to relieve obstructions and provide another palliative option for cancer patients.

At Valley Radiologists, our fellowship-trained interventional subspecialists are able to biopsy suspicious masses nearly anywhere in the body. Depending on the location, patient needs and type of mass, we use MRI, CT or ultrasound to guide the approach and sampling of the tissue.

Venous-access procedures are used to install ports to deliver chemotherapy or for other purposes related to the cancer care.

 

Known for clinical excellence, Valley Radiologists is proud to be at the forefront of the cancer fight. Click on the image to download more information on our oncologic imaging and interventions and our compassionate collaborate approach to cancer care, call 623-847-2000.