Cancer that is diagnosed at an early stage responds to treatment more effectively.  Atlanta Radiology, along with our hospital and imaging partners, provides the latest in cancer imaging with state-of-the-art PET•CT, breast MRI, body MRI, CT and new procedures, such at CT colonoscopy, a non-invasive way to screen for colon cancer.

Physicians recommend that every adult over age 50 should have a colonoscopy to check for polyps, which can be removed before cancer has a chance to develop. Screening guidelines call for the test to be repeated every seven to 10 years. Those at higher risk – family history of polyps or colon cancer, diagnosed polyps or blood in the stool – should be screened every five years. One of the newest methods of screening for colon cancer is what is called virtual colonoscopy or CT colonoscopy. This exam uses CT technology to look inside the colon, providing images that are comparable to a traditional invasive colonoscopy. CT colonoscopy can show polyps, lesions and other problems inside the colon or large intestines.  

Using CT technology to provide three-dimensional images, the radiologist can see details inside the bowel that are similar to what is seen during a traditional colonoscopy. A traditional colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed under light sedation while an endoscope travels through the colon and takes pictures. CT colonoscopy does not require any medications or an endoscope, but uses air, which is induced into the colon. The air helps open up the colon to give an unobstructed view.   

The exam is especially helpful in patients who do not want a more invasive exam, older adults who may not tolerate the traditional procedure and patients who are at risk for complications from colonoscopy due to a health problem. CT colonography is also a less invasive option for patients who do not wish to have colonoscopy, which involves inserting a flexible tube into the colon to view the bowel wall.

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PET and CT allow radiologists to pinpoint the location of cancer within the body and uncover brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and epilepsy.  PET, which is performed using an injected radiopharmaceutical that gives off recordable emissions, scans and records the metabolic signals of aggressively growing cancer cells in the body. CT scan provides a thorough picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths. When combined, a PET•CT provides the most complete information on cancer location and metastasis better than any other imaging study. Physicians order the test to uncover a suspected cancer that has not been shown using more conventional modalities, to stage cancer, monitor treatment and determine if a treatment is working.  

St. Joseph’s Hospital Outpatient Imaging Center offers one of the most advanced outpatient PET•CT facilities in the region utilizing a Siemens mCT advanced scanner. The state-of-the-art scanner provides the most advanced diagnostic technology available for cancer and neurology patients.

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MRI is a non-invasive way of looking into the body without the use of x-ray. Instead, it uses magnets and radio waves to create images. Breast MRI combines state-of-the-art three-dimensional imaging with computer-aided detection (CAD) to look deep into the breast to uncover abnormalities. While breast MRI is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging, it is a very helpful tool in evaluating patients with very high known genetic risks for breast cancer and in:

• Imaging dense breasts often found in younger women and those with fibrocystic breast changes when mammography and ultrasound fail to detect or characterize a palpable abnormality
• Determining the extent of a known cancer. MRI is the most sensitive and specific method for complete local staging of breast cancer.
• Differentiating between surgical scar and recurrent cancer in patients who have already been treated for breast cancer
• Identifying mammographically occult cancer in high-risk patients
• Evaluating response to cancer treatment

Breast MRI does not take the place of screening mammograms, as recommended by the American College of Radiology and American Society of Breast Surgeons.  Women who have breast MRI should continue to have an annual mammogram.

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MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MR imaging of the body is performed to evaluate organs of the chest and abdomen—including the liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, blood vessels and adrenal glands. Small devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied. If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. Most exams take less than one hour and results are usually sent to your doctor within 24 hours.