Oncology Imaging and Detection
The best defense again cancer is early detection! Our goal is to provide imaging services that best identifies the presence of cancer at its earliest stages, so your physician can arrive at an immediate and effective treatment plan. Fairfax Radiology has multiple imaging tools to assist physicians in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. Utilizing the latest innovative technologies and the expertise of our specialized radiologists, FRC can provide essential information for disease identification and treatment plans. Diagnosis through a variety of imaging techniques as well as image guided biopsy for tissue evaluation can be obtained. Once a cancer is diagnosed, ongoing evaluation with various types of imaging modalities can monitor the treatment of the disease.
Cancer is always a difficult diagnosis for a patient and family to hear. Our radiologists and staff remain compassionate and caring in the initial imaging process to obtain diagnosis and the ongoing oncology evaluation during the treatment process. As a patient of Fairfax Radiology, you can be confident your imaging experiences will be a thorough and pleasant process.
What is CT Scanning?
CT Scanning utilizes conventional x-rays with computerized cross sectional imagery to create an extensive evaluation of anatomy and pathology. With the aid of 
contrast ingestion or injection, our radiologist can recognize the presence of malignant processes and provide your physician with a complete evaluation. With follow-up imaging, changes to the disease are monitored, providing indicators for treatment modification or success. Our specialized radiologists also offer CT-guided biopsies in a hospital environment.
What is MRI/MRA?
MRI/MRA involves utilizing a magnetic field for image capture. An excellent tool for soft tissue and vascular evaluation, this technology has proven to be an invaluable resource for cancer identification and evaluation. Our experienced radiologists and technologists will provide an efficient and comfortable imaging experience, providing an accurate diagnosis that allows your referring physician to create an appropriate treatment process to address the disease.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound utilizes sound waves, rather than x-rays to evaluate soft tissue in the body. Also known as “sonography”, this technology is efficient in identifying abnormal growths in the liver, pelvis, kidneys and bladder, but is capable of evaluating any area of soft tissue where masses may be found. Although this tool is well known for its use in obstetrical evaluation and cardiac care, an ultrasound is a valuable tool in the detection and treatment of cancer.
What is Mammography?
Every woman should be aware of the importance of mammography for early detection of breast cancer. At Fairfax Radiology, “Every day is Breast Cancer Awareness Day!” Our extensive mammography program consists of fully ACR accredited and FDA certified facilities that meet all the requirements to assure a complete and accurate breast evaluation. In addition, we have Breast Facilitators who can assist a woman with an “abnormal” mammogram through the sometimes frightening and stressful follow up process.
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear Medicine is an imaging modality that involves the introduction of a radioactive substance into the body and imaging where in the body this radioactive “isotope” collects. Because cancer cells are very responsive to the isotope, this technology is an excellent tool to identify these “abnormal” collections and provide exceptional indicators for the appearance, changes and treatment of these cancer cells.
What is a PET CT?
PET CT is the most advanced medical imaging technique available today combining Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography. It combines the fine structural detail of CT with PET’s ability to detect changes in cell function. This combination allows for 
earlier and more accurate detection of disease than either CT or PET alone. A PET/CT scan helps your physician diagnosis a problem, determine the best approach to treatment or monitor your progress.
What is Image Guided Biopsy?
Image Guided Biopsies is an imaging technique to obtain a tissue sample of a very specific area of the body for cell evaluation. Utilizing ultrasound or conventional x-rays for needle placement assures accuracy of the cell retrieval by verifying the exact site of biopsy. From breast biopsies to thyroid biopsies, FRC’s radiologists are experts at obtaining the needed tissue for thorough evaluation.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
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