Each year, over 608,000 people in the U.S. die from cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial because it increases the likelihood of survival. A preventative medical scan is a practical, non-invasive way to see what’s happening inside your body. A CT scan can reveal growths that could indicate you have cancer. Your medical team can confirm your diagnosis with blood tests, a biopsy, or other tests. Since imaging tests offer clear visual images that can be used for cancer detection, these diagnostic scans provide the benefit of swift treatment.
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What Are Imaging Tests, And How Do They Work In Detecting Cancer?
Imaging tests are non-invasive ways of learning what’s going on inside your body. These imaging tests help in early cancer diagnosis by letting your medical team see what’s happening under your skin. The radiologist will investigate potential reasons for any symptoms you have. They will pinpoint the location of any suspected tumors and measure them. CT scans can confirm you have swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen, indicating a potential risk you have leukemia. The scan produces three-dimensional images that can be used to determine if you need additional tests to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Imaging Tests Used For Cancer Detection?
A CT scan is one of the most effective imaging tests used to detect cancer. When you schedule a health scan near you, you can be confident your radiologist will get a detailed look at your organs, bones, and nerves. The 3D images give the radiologist a clear look at growths that could indicate you have cancer.
Depending on your symptoms, exposures, or reasons for concern, you may need a specific type of CT scan. Lung cancer screenings provide detailed information about your lungs and are recommended for anyone at risk of lung cancer.
A full body scan is recommended for anyone who may have cancer in an organ other than their lungs or leukemia.
How Do Imaging Tests Help In The Early Diagnosis Of Cancer?
Perhaps you have a family history of cancer and want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re cancer-free. Perhaps you’re experiencing pain and trying to determine the reason. You may choose the best approach and book a preventative medical scan near your location.
A preventative health scan is an effective form of preventative care because you can confirm your health status, enabling you to continue maintaining your health. Health scans are also practical diagnostic tools that can confirm multiple health issues, including the following:
- Appendicitis
- Blood clots
- Bowel blockages
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Fractures
- Heart disease
- Kidney stones
What Are The Benefits Of Imaging Tests Over Other Cancer Detection Methods?
A CT scan is non-invasive, so it’s painless. Preventative scans typically take 15 minutes, allowing you to quickly get detailed medical information with the added benefit of minimal disruption to your daily life and routine. After your scan, you can return to your usual activities. You’ll receive a comprehensive report from your scan within 10 days.
Are Imaging Tests Safe, And What Are The Potential Risks Involved?
CT scans do use small doses of radiation when generating images. Preventative Diagnostic Center uses low-dose CT scans to minimize your exposure, ensuring your safety. You also don’t have to take contrast dye, so you don’t need to worry about any side effects from the dye.
How Often Should Imaging Tests Be Done For Cancer Screening?
You can complete a cancer screening with imaging technology once a year to ensure you’re cancer-free. Your need for preventative cancer screening depends on your level of concern about your risk of cancer, which may be impacted by lifestyle choices such as smoking, a genetic predisposition to certain cancers, or exposure to toxins. For example, firefighters suffer from exposure to diesel exhaust and carcinogens, which increases their chances of getting lung cancer.
Suppose you’re low risk or take steps to mitigate your risk, such as quitting smoking. In that case, you may eventually be able to reduce the frequency of your preventative scans.
Can Imaging Tests Detect All Types Of Cancer?
A diagnostic CT scan is effective for detecting some types of cancer, including the following:
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
However, there are other cancers — such as prostate and uterine cancer — that a CT scan may not be able to detect.
What Should Patients Expect During An Imaging Test For Cancer Detection?
You’ll receive instructions when you schedule your appointment to ensure you’re ready when you arrive for your scan. Wearing loose clothing ensures your comfort. Before lying on the scanner’s table, you must remove jewelry and other metal items.
Once you’re ready and in position, the table will move through a large metal tube used to take pictures. The radiologist will give you directions, telling you when to stay still and when to hold your breath to ensure they get the data needed from the scan.
After your scan, you can put your jewelry and other metal items back on and continue with your day. It’s safe for you to go back to work, socialize, or eat after your CT scan.
How Accurate Are Imaging Tests In Detecting Cancer?
CT scans are one of the best imaging tests for detecting cancer because of their speed and accuracy. The accuracy rate for detecting urinary tract cancers is over 91%, while the accuracy rate of detection of upper tract urothelial cancer has an accuracy rate of up to 97%.
CT Scans At Preventative Diagnostic Center
Scheduling a preventative medical scan at our Las Vegas office is a fast, effective way to confirm your health and get the answers you need to put your mind at ease or seek further diagnostic tests to confirm if you have cancer. You’ll receive a comprehensive report from your CT scan showing any health anomalies that raise concerns, such as enlarged organs or tumors. We’ll provide you with the information and referrals you need to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
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Sources:
How Cancer Is Diagnosed. (2023).
Leading Causes of Death. (2024).
Promoting cancer early diagnosis. (2024).
Silver, N. (2023). Can a CT Scan Accurately Detect and Monitor Bladder Cancer?
