The Cancer Imaging Program at the National Cancer Institute is designed to support research in imaging science and technology. By conducting a variety of research studies, new, improved methods for maintaining cancer risks are constantly being discovered. So it is the number one mission at the National Cancer Institute to integrate the latest revelations and discoveries while applying them to various treatment methods. The latest findings and breakthroughs are reported to clinical management for review.
Here is a breakdown of some of the goals at the Cancer Imaging Program: the program is designed to facilitate imaging techniques for the purposes of understanding cancer’s biology. By using elite imaging methods, one is able to view cancer biomarkers, thus determining their endpoints. It is vital that programs are put in place to hopefully discover precancerous issues before they become life threatening. Moreover, by following the latest technological procedures, the program adheres fundamentally to the latest models for conducting trials with regard to imaging. The development of the latest methodologies is quite rapid and constantly undergoing scrutiny to make sure they are in fact effective. The center plays a vital role in NIH and NCI implementation of the best technologies including nanotechnology, high-throughput screening, and proteomics. Moreover, the cleanest structure for determining the value of cancer imaging data is currently in place. Lastly, the latest methods for detecting responses to pre-cancer therapy are also in place at the center.
Here is some useful information on the various ways in which cancer is often detected. Obviously, the earlier cancer is discovered, the better the chance of effective treatment. Pictures of the body, specifically imaging techniques, are absolutely instrumental in early detection of cancer; however, imaging is not only used for detection; it also explains the stage of the cancer and how advanced it is, as well as the exact location. After discovering all of the necessary information that the imaging explains, it is possible to determine the correct treatment. Imaging is also useful for finding out if the cancer has effectively been removed. One effective method that the Cancer Imaging Program rigorously adheres to is its research studies, which can effectively and insightfully provide the best future care for cancer patients.
X-ray imaging is the most common means of imaging; typically, as the tissue absorption rates avail themselves, the X-ray images are produced. Mainly X-rays are used to search for broken bones, but many types of cancers can be found this way. The pleural cavity is seen clearly in X-rays, as this proves to be the chosen method.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilizes radio waves correlating to a magnetic field, which receives tissue wave frequencies. Tissue types emit slightly different signals based on which organ is being examined. Tissues that have tumors tend to give off weaker signals than the healthier tissue areas. After the process is completed, a three-dimensional picture will show different areas of the body and its respective organs under scrutiny. Similar to an MRI, an ultrasound captures sounds throughout the body and creates a picture based on auditory data; whereas, MRI’s deal in radio waves. An ultrasound will detect tumors, and support doctors in their treatments of the tumors. The Cancer Imaging Center is at the cutting edge of the latest cancer treatment options; it claims to provide optimal detection of most types of cancer and through research and analysis, the imaging center continues to invest in the latest detection technologies available.