During cancer diagnosis and care, you’ll get used to having scans. You’ll work with imaging specialists for basic scans. Interventional radiologists use imaging tools to perform procedures. Radiation oncologists use radiation to treat cancer.

Types of imaging that we use to help detect, diagnose, stage, and monitor cancer include:

• X-rays: This scan uses radiation for basic, quick imaging. It can visualize bones and chest tissues well but often doesn’t give a detailed view of soft tissue.
• Computed tomography (CT): X-rays with a computer program make fast, detailed 3D images. We use CT to locate tumors and plan radiation treatments.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This scan uses magnetic fields to see the body; it doesn’t use radiation. It’s great for soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, or pelvic organs.
• Positron emission tomography (PET): This test shows how tissues and organs are functioning. It’s often combined with CT for cancer staging and detecting spread.
• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to help guide biopsies and examine soft tissues and organs.

Imaging-based cancer screenings

Screenings find cancer before you have any symptoms.  

Many cancer screenings use imaging tools: 

• We use breast X-rays (mammograms) to screen for cancer
• We use virtual colonoscopy, or CT of the colon, as an option for colon cancer screening
• We use a low-dose CT scan of the lungs to look for cancer in smokers

Scans and procedures for cancer care

Throughout your cancer journey, you’ll have scans and procedures that use imaging.  

We use these in several ways: 

• To detect cancer: Imaging scans can help identify tumors. Doctors can learn about their size, location, and whether they’ve spread. They’ll combine these measurements with other information to determine the type and stage of your cancer. We may use any kind of imaging to check for cancer.
• To guide procedures: Imaging improves the accuracy of a biopsy or treating cancer with heat or cold. We use a type of real-time X-ray called fluoroscopy for certain procedures.
• To plan care: CT imaging before radiation therapy helps map out exactly where to target. We may use MRI, ultrasound, or PET scans when planning surgeries.
• To monitor progress: You’ll have regular scans during and after treatment. These tell us if your care plan is working or if cancer is progressing. We use PET scans for regular cancer monitoring, as they can detect if tumor cells are still alive and active.

Imaging plays a key role in diagnosing cancer, planning treatment, and checking how well it’s working. It’s how your care team can “see” inside your body without surgery. You’ll get very used to having scans.

If scans bring you anxiety, talk to your care team. They can give you medicine to keep you calm.

Before your scan

Depending on the type of scan, you may need to fast (no food or drink) for a few hours. You may also need to drink contrast dye or get it through an IV. 

Let your care team know if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have kidney problems
• Have claustrophobia (small spaces)

During your scan

Most scans are painless and take between 15 and 60 minutes. You’ll likely be standing or lying still during the scan. You may move through a tunnel-like machine.  

The imaging tech will talk to you through an intercom. They can hear what you say. They’ll tell you when you need to stay still and when to hold your breath. 

After the scan

You can usually go home right away. A radiologist will interpret and share the results with your cancer care team. If the scan requires contrast, drink water to help flush it out.