Diagnostic equipment
PET/CT scanner
The Hospital recently acquired a state-of-the-art
PET/CT scanner called the GEMINI™ "time of flight". This
unique scanner merges two types of images, allowing doctors to
detect cancer and pinpoint its exact location in the body.
As well as detecting cancer at its primary
site it is also able to detect if the cancer has spread to bone,
liver or lymph nodes close by. Cancer may spread into tissues where
it can be seen by PET, but not by CT or MRI scans. For
further information please download the PET/CT brochure
(PDF).
CT scanner
The Hospital has a 16 slice CT (Computed Tomography) scanner
which uses X-rays and computer technology to provide ‘slice’ images
of the body. This is particularly useful in the detection,
diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Tumours the size of a grain of
rice can be detected which increases the chance of a successful
outcome.
MRI scanner
The MRI scanner can be used for cross
sectional views of the body. The main advantages of MRI scans are
that they do not use X-ray radiation. They can show up soft tissues
very clearly and a single scan can produce many pictures from
angles all round the body. MRI is particularly effective searching
for brain tumours, primary bone tumours, soft tissue sarcomas and
for tumours affecting the spinal cord.
Gamma camera
A Gamma Camera detects radioisotopes which are
injected intravenously providing functional imaging of the body. It
is a highly specialised procedure invaluable for locating secondary
tumour sites (metastases) not visible by other imaging methods.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses ultra high frequency sound
waves and is useful in diagnosing cancer of the liver, pancreas,
kidneys, ovaries, prostate and breast.
Plain radiography and mammography
Plain radiography allows the detection of
malignant abnormalities throughout the skeleton. Chest X-rays allow
the examination of the lungs and heart, whilst mammography is an
established method of identifying breast cancer.
Barium techniques
Barium meals and enemas are performed to
identify structural abnormalities throughout the gastrointestinal
tract allowing the detection of cancers.