Radiology is a medical specialty
We use the following radiology services to help diagnose and treat a variety of cancer types.
A CT scan is a medical imaging procedure. It uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create images. These are two- or three-dimensional images of the body.
Unlike other forms of medical imaging, CT can make an image of every type of body structure at once. This can include bone, blood vessels, and soft tissue.
We can use CT scans:
To diagnose cancer
Plan surgeries or radiation therapy treatments
To check response to cancer treatment
As a visual aid for procedures, such as biopsies, that go inside the body, and to ensure correct placement
We perform more than 45 CT examinations per day, consisting of whole-body scans most of the time.
We use MRI to see internal structures of the body in detail. MRI can create more detailed images of some parts of the body than x-rays. An MRI scanner is a device with a table that slides into a large cylinder. Inside the cylinder is a magnet that, when we run it, creates a powerful magnetic field. This magnetic field aligns the magnetisation of some atomic nuclei in the body. This helps create the images.
We use MRI for outpatient referrals. This can include brain and spine imaging.
We also use it for dedicated oncology examinations including:
Cranial nerve and skull base imaging
Local staging of head and neck tumours
Local staging of cervical, rectal and prostate tumours
Breast MRI
Oncological brain, spine, abdominal and musculoskeletal studies
Digital mammography is a type of imaging. It uses digital receptors to examine breast tissue. We have a breast tomosynthesis unit with biopsy capabilities. These capabilities increase the sensitivity of breast cancer detection. They also improve the patient experience of the procedure.
We perform diagnostic mammography for a wide range of patients. This includes:
Post-operative patients
People with a strong family history of breast cancer.
Ultrasound is a scan that uses high frequency sound waves. These waves show internal body structures. Most of the time we use ultrasound for breast and abdominal imaging.
We also use ultrasound for:
Core biopsies (for example, breast, abdominal)
Fine needle aspirations – in particular, head and neck nodes, and superficial lesions
Breast hookwire localisation
Pleural and ascites aspirations and abscess drainage
Interventional radiology uses diagnostic imaging equipment. This equipment helps with the treatment of many cancers. We call the machine we use for interventional radiology an angiographic machine. We use interventional radiology for:
Central venous access – Arrowcath, Vascath and PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line insertion
Barium and contrast studies
Percutaneous nephrostomy and biliary drainage
Percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion
Intravenous catheter (IVC) filter insertion
Catheter placement for isolated limb infusion procedures
General fluoroscopic procedures. This includes difficult lumbar punctures and nasogastric tubes performed under fluoroscopic guidance
Tumour ablation using microwave or other local ablative technique
Your GP or specialist will organise relevant referrals for radiology.
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Level 5 (5C), 305 Grattan Street
Melbourne VIC 3000