Diagnostic Radiology
Services provided by the Radiology Department:
What is the role of the radiologist?
A radiologist is a specially trained doctor who has special experience in interpreting imaging studies. In a way, a radiologist can see things that other physicians cannot see. This is very important when cancer is diagnosed. The radiologist gives the most accurate assessment of the tumor size, site and extent.
At KHCC and many cancer centers around the world, radiologists do not stay in their offices reading imaging films, but rather they are key players in their patient’s multidisciplinary care. They attend tumor boards and clinics where doctors from all different specialties meet to review new cases and to study the progress of those on treatment. In most cases, patients do not meet the radiologist who may be doing the most critical part of their management.
What is interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology (abbreviated IR or sometimes IVR or VIR) is a subspecialty of radiology, that involves minimally invasive procedures performed using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic purposes (e.g., angiogram), while others are done for treatment purposes (e.g., angioplasty). Pictures (images) are used to direct these procedures, which are usually done with needles or other tiny instruments like small tubes called catheters. The images provide road maps that allow the Interventional Radiologist to guide these instruments through the body to the areas of interest.
What makes our service unique?
Having your imaging studies taken at KHCC is different from having it done at most other institutions in the region. When your oncologist orders a study, our team of radiologists review the test and decide if other test may also be helpful. Prior to the an issue of the required images, any previous studies are pulled and reviewed. We protect and keep previous images to reference current studies while monitoring the patients progress or regression. Results are provided in detailed reports that are ready for physicians and patients within short time, they are also directly shared with ordering physicians when necessary.
