Diagnostic oncology radiology

Computerized axial tomography (CT scan or simply CT) is a radiological examination that allows the visualization and study of various body districts due to the fact that X-rays emitted by an X-ray tube, pass through organs and are captured by special and sophisticated detectors. To improve image quality and allow characterization of possible pathology, intravenous administration of an iodine-based contrast agent is often indicated.

Principal indications
For patients with presumed or known oncologic pathology, CT examination is used to rapidly visualize the entire body, to provide a complete picture of the disease, both at the time of diagnosis and during and after treatments.

How it is performed
The patient is placed on the CT table, usually in a supine position. During the examination, the patient can always communicate with the staff present outside the room, as all rooms are equipped with special microphones. During the examination, the patient is asked to take breaths and hold air (apnea) for a few seconds. The CT examination is very quick (a few minutes), but considering the preparation and recovery phases, the patient remains inside the radiology department for about 15-20 minutes.

Magnetic resonance imaging is an examination that allows visualization of various body districts without the use of ionizing radiation, but by exploiting the magnetic properties of the body placed in a magnetic field.

Main indications
MRI is used to study individual organs, entire districts or the whole body, very often allowing in the patient with oncological pathology to differentiate lesions whose nature by other methods has not been determined. With MRI it is also possible to study in depth the relationships between lesions and organs, and bone lesions.

How it is performed
The patient is placed in a supine position on the MRI table and during the examination can communicate via special microphones with the staff present outside the room. During the examination, the patient may be asked to take breaths and hold air (apnea) for a few seconds. Because the examination is rather noisy, headphones or earplugs are provided for the patient already positioned on the couch to wear during the examination.

Ultrasound or ultrasonography is an examination based on the use of ultrasound. A probe that emits ultrasound is placed on the skin with the interposition of a gel, at the organ to be studied.

Main indications
Ultrasonography is used to visualize and study solid organs and their internal structures (vessels, benign and malignant lesions). In the patient with oncologic pathology, it may be indicated for in-depth diagnosis or monitoring.

How it is performed
The patient is positioned by the radiology technician on a couch in a position to comfortably study the organ being examined; the radiologist then studies the organ(s) of interest with an ultrasound probe.