imaging in cancer

Question 1

How MRI works

Answer 1

radiofrequency pulse causes protons in tissues to align, an image is creates according to the time taken for the protons to realign

Question 2

indications of MRI

Answer 2

-excellent bone and soft tissue detail.
-vessels
-brain, spine and musculoskeletal
-abdomen and pelvis
cardiac imaging

Question 3

MRI contrindications

Answer 3

• claustrophobic and noisy
• motion artifact ( patient has to remain still)
• cannot image patients with pacemakers and aneurysm clips,

Question 4

why use MRI-specific contrast agents

Answer 4

they will make some tumours more easily seen and will also help with seeing vascular lesions

Question 5

patient safety issues with MRI

Answer 5

• metal cannot be worn as will cause injury

- no radiation risk

Question 6

what are the clinical applications of imaging?

Answer 6

• diagnosis
• staging
• treatment

Question 7

what imaging can tell us about a tumour

Answer 7

• position
• depth of penetration
• relationship to adjacent structures
• involvement of regional lymph nodes
• presence of distant metastases.

Question 8

pros of population screening radiological imaging

Answer 8

• increases the number of incidences of the disease being detected.
• increases the chance that the disease is caught at an early, more treatable stage

Question 9

cons of population radiological imaging

Answer 9

• exposes a large proportion of the population to radiation, possibly increasing cancer incidences.
• expensive
• requires large numbers of staff

Question 10

why are radiological imaging techniques only requested when appropriate?

Answer 10

• expensive

- unnecessary ionising radiation exposure

Question 11

general guidelines for the judicious use of imaging

Answer 11

• dose as low as reasonably achievable
• only when examination is necessary
• adequate clinical information is essential for appropriate protocol
• repeat examination avoided