Diagnosis
Advanced cancer diagnostics at Methodist Health System
If a screening test or exam points to a probable cancer, the next step is diagnosis. Much more than a simple yes or no, a concise cancer diagnosis helps doctors determine which treatment will provide the best results with the fewest side effects.
Methodist Health System employs some of the world's most advanced diagnostic equipment and has available a team of highly trained medical professionals.
The technologies used in helping to diagnose cancer include:
Mammography
Methodist's Women's Imaging Centers offer a
digital mammogram with a soft, warm cushion used during the exam to make the mammogram more
comfortable. Designed with a larger viewing field, the digital mammography
system is well-suited to imaging patients of diverse shapes and sizes.
Images can be generated within seconds and magnified and manipulated for
optimum clarity. Images are then double checked using the Imagechecker®
enhanced breast screening technology.
Ultrasound
During ultrasound or sonography an ultrasound machine sends sound waves
and produces an image of the tissues inside. These images can reveal more
information about tissue in the breast, liver, uterus, and kidneys.
Stereotactic biopsy
Stereotactic biopsy uses an X-ray image to guide a needle into an area
of the breast. The tissue sample is removed through this needle and is
sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. A small amount
of benign breast tissue may also be removed during the biopsy as an alternative
to open biopsy in surgery. This can provide a quicker, less invasive alternative
to surgery with a shorter, less painful recovery and a much smaller cut
in the breast.
Ultrasound or stereotactic imaging can also be combined with a minimally invasive system called MammotomeTM, which uses suction to remove a sample of breast tissue. The bore of the needle in the MammotomeTM system is larger, thus allowing a larger sample of the entire area of suspicion.
Computed tomography (CT) scan with rapid CT scanner
CT scans use special X-rays to capture images of internal organs from several
different angles. The images are sent to a computer, which generates cross-sections
of body tissues and organs. Our rapid CT scanner is the latest CT equipment
available, producing 32 images each second. This speed improves the clarity
and quality of the final image, which allows for a more accurate diagnosis.
CT scans can also be done very comfortably and quickly, often in as few
as seven minutes. The final images show several types of tissue very clearly,
including organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, lungs,
esophagus, and stomach. CT imaging can uncover cancers in many parts of the body.
Ultrasound and CT scans can also be used as guidance for biopsies.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRIs use strong radio waves (rather than radiation) and a strong magnetic
field to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs
and tissues, including the lungs, liver, breast, kidneys, spleen, pancreas,
brain, and blood vessels in the abdomen. MRIs have proved effective for
diagnosing cancer. Because these tests don't involve radiation exposure,
MRIs may be preferred for examining reproductive systems, the pelvis and
hips, and the bladder.
Interventional radiology
Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging
to perform procedures like a CT-guided biopsy or an angiogram. Mediports
can also be placed and removed by interventional radiologists.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a direct examination of the airways in the lungs with a
long, thin tube called a bronchoscope that has a tiny light and camera
mounted on it. Bronchoscopy can find tumors, blood clots, structural problems,
and infections.
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
EBUS is used for diagnosis of lung cancer, infections, and other diseases
causing enlarged lymph nodes in the chest.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to view the entire
length of the large intestine (colon), and can often help identify abnormal
growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. It involves inserting
a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up
into the colon. The colonoscope allows the physician to see the lining
of the colon, remove tissue that can be examined for signs of cancer,
and also remove small growths.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or upper endoscopy)
An EGD is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the inside of
the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube,
called an endoscope, is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope allows the physician to
view the inside of this area of the body, as well as to insert instruments
through a scope for the removal of a sample of tissue for biopsy, if necessary.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
EUS can help evaluate different types of cancer including esophageal cancer.
It can be used to measure the size of a tumor and to show the lymph nodes
near the esophagus to see if cancer has spread to them. This helps your
doctor decide on the best treatment for you. The ultrasound is usually
done during an esophagoscopy.
The doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope through the nose or mouth and down into the esophagus. The endoscope bounces sound waves against the esophagus and nearby areas. The echo from the sound waves creates an image, a sonogram, of the esophagus.
EUS can also be used to evaluate tumors in the pancreas and bile ducts and to evaluate stomach cancer.
To find a doctor or request an appointment,
call
(214) 947-0000 or
click to schedule.