Imaging Services (Radiology/Nuclear Medicine)

We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. Our receptionists are knowledgeable about our imaging procedures, and our technologists and nurses can answer your questions and guide you through your appointments with care and respect.

Our facilities are designed with comfort and easy accessibility in mind. We have a separate waiting area for gowned patients and a private mammography suite that provides patients with their own dressing rooms and waiting room. If you need anything, please ask our staff.

Most routine imaging can be scheduled within two days; emergency studies can be scheduled the same day.

Among the services we offer:

• Theranostics (Therapy + Diagnostics = Theranostics)
  Theranostics is a combination of therapy with radioactive medicine (called radiopharmaceuticals) and diagnostic imaging. The diagnostic part allows clinicians to determine if a patient's cancer cells have a specific target for treatment. The radiopharmaceutical therapy is then administered if the imaging shows that the target is present. This approach helps the care team to personalize treatment for each patient. It also allows higher doses of radiation to be delivered to tumors, while reducing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. The diagnostic exam and treatment length vary based on the patient's needs.
• Computed Tomography (CT)
  Computed Tomography uses low energy X-rays to produce a series of highly detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. A typical CT examination lasts about 20 minutes, during which time several images will be taken.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce a series of highly detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. A typical MRI examination lasts about 45 minutes, during which time several images will be taken.
• Mammography
  Mammography uses low energy X-rays to produce images of your breast tissue. These images are used to screen for breast cancer or to evaluate symptoms (e.g., lumps, thickening, etc.) A typical mammogram lasts about 20 minutes, during which time several images may be taken.
• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (including PET/CT)
  Nuclear medicine and molecular imaging use special imaging products (called radiopharmaceuticals*) to take pictures of different processes happening in the body. A typical scan starts with an injection of the radiopharmaceutical into an intravenous (IV) line. Then, specialized cameras are used to take pictures of where the radiopharmaceutical went in the body. The pictures also show how the organs and tissues in the body are functioning. These appointments may last anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the test.
  *Radiopharmaceuticals are compounds or drugs that are attached to small amounts of a radioactive substance. The amount of the compound or drug in a radiopharmaceutical is also very small. Radiopharmaceuticals are used to make images of processes that are happening in the body, but they do not affect how the body works.
• Radiography (X-ray)
  Radiography is one of the oldest forms of imaging examinations, and is still the most frequently used. This imaging technique uses low energy X-rays to produce an image of your organs and tissues. A typical X-ray examination lasts about 15 minutes per each area of interest, during which time several images may be taken.
• Ultrasound (also called sonography or ultrasonography)
  Ultrasound is an imaging examination that uses the energy of high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of your organs and tissues. Your tissues will reflect, absorb, and refract the waves differently, and these "echoes" are collected and transformed into an image. A standard ultrasound examination may last up to 60 minutes, during which several images may be taken.

Clinical Trials

As part of our ongoing research program, imaging physicians and scientists work together with medical oncologists and investigators to develop and conduct clinical research.

Many patients will have the opportunity to join a clinical trial as one of their treatment options. Imaging staff often participate in clinical research protocols, assisting with the visualization and measurement of disease and determining response to treatment. This research helps identify and establish the best treatments for current and future patients.