Imaging scans

What is a CT scan?

A computed tomography (CT) scan creates a detailed image of the inside of your body by using X-rays to take scans from different angles. A computer uses the scans to create a 3D image for your doctor to review.

CT scans are used to diagnose many conditions, plan treatment (for example, to plan where to target radiotherapy) and in follow-ups and check-ups after treatment.  

What is fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy uses X-ray scans displayed live on a monitor to create a video image of the inside of your body. 

A contrast agent may be used to help provide a more detailed video image – this is a special dye that can be detected by the scanner which is either injected into your body or swallowed, depending on the area of your body being investigated. It can help show how blood moves around a particular area of your body or how the dye moves through your digestive system and urinary tract.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to examine your breasts. It can identify early changes in the breast tissue and cancers that are too small to feel. 

It is used to investigate your breasts if you have found a lump or during regular screening. Screening is currently offered to women every three years aged between 50 and 70 by the NHS. Women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or have tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may wish to have a mammogram more regularly. 

Digital mammography

At GenesisCare we use digital mammography (also called tomosynthesis) to produce mammograms. Digital mammography is an advanced form of breast screening technology, which uses computer imaging rather than films to produce a scan of your breast using X-rays. This allows your doctor to review the images immediately rather than waiting for a film to develop.

What is an MRI scan?

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. It’s regularly used for detecting and assessing a wide range of cancers, as well as many other conditions. 

At GenesisCare we have both 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners. T stands for Tesla and indicates the strength of the magnetic field the scanner produces – 3T is double the strength of 1.5T  and produces exceptionally detailed images. 1.5T and 3T MRI scans each have their own advantages for different situations.  

What is an fMRI scan?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity using MRI scans. It is an advanced imaging technique that shows up the areas of your brain that are responsible for vital functions such as speech and movement. It is often used alongside a similar MRI test called diffusion tractography, which shows the location of important brain pathways for speech, movement and other behaviours.

At GenesisCare, we use fMRI to help guide surgery when planning your treatment.

What is an mpMRI scan?

A multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scan is a special type of MRI scan that gives a more detailed picture of the prostate in men who are suspected of having or have previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

An mpMRI will help your doctor identify if you need a biopsy, guide the biopsy, monitor your cancer and determine how large a cancer is and whether it has spread. 

What is a PET-CT scan?

A PET-CT scan uses two types of scans – positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) – to create exceptionally detailed 3D images of your body. It is particularly useful in identifying cancers and predicting how they will respond to treatments.

Types of radiotracers

In a PET-CT scan, a substance called a radiotracer is injected into your body which collects in different parts of your body and is detected by the scanner. Different types of radiotracers are used depending on the tissue being investigated.

PSMA PET-CT scans are the gold standard for prostate cancer and play an important role in our Theranostics pathway. This scan can detect cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of your body. PSMA PET-CT scans are also superior to traditional bone imaging and can identify bone damage caused by cancer.

⁶⁸Gallium Dotatate PET-CT scans are used to assess primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). This scan can also be used to see if you might benefit from Theranostics treatment.

¹⁸F FDG PET-CT scans are used for imaging tumours. They also play an important role in diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring. These scans have a wide range of cancers that they can look for.

What is a PSMA PET-CT scan?

A PSMA PET-CT scan is an advanced imaging technique that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) to detect prostate cancer. It uses a specialised radioactive tracer, usually ⁶⁸Gallium or ¹⁸Fluorine, which binds to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), found on prostate cancer cells. This makes it possible to see cancer in the prostate and any areas it may have spread throughout the body.

What is a SPECT-CT scan?

A SPECT-CT scan is a type of nuclear medicine scan where the images or pictures from two different types of scans are combined together. The combined scan can provide precise information about how different parts of the body are working and clearly identify problems, particularly for cancer. SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) images are taken after an injection of a radiotracer which helps highlight and detect areas where abnormal cells are located and which wouldn’t show up on other imaging tests. A special camera called a gamma camera is positioned over your body during the scan and rotates around you. This camera detects the distribution of the radiotracer and displays the information as an image on a screen. 

CT (computed tomography) images are also taken to show exactly where in the body the radiotracer has been taken up. The images from each scan are then fused together to produce the SPECT-CT, providing highly accurate functional and anatomical detail in 3D, allowing our Consultants to more accurately pinpoint the exact location of any abnormality.

Different types of radiotracers are used depending on the tissue being investigated.

We often use SPECT-CT in combination with other scans: 

• 123I whole-body scan — for imaging thyroid tissue or thyroid cancer tissue
  
• 99mTc DMSA renal scan — used for kidney imaging
  
• 99mTc HDP bone scan — bone scans highlight changes in your bones for example due to injury or cancer
  

The combined scan can provide us with precise information about how different parts of your body are working and clearly identify any problems.

At GenesisCare, we aim to provide SPECT-CT scans within 5 working days of referral and send your results to your referring clinician within 24-48 hours of completing the scan.

What is an ultrasound scan?

In an ultrasound scan, a probe which produces high-frequency sound waves is used to create an image of internal tissues and organs in your body, such as your breast, kidneys or abdomen. The sound waves bounce off the internal structures in your body and are picked up by the probe and converted into an image displayed onto a monitor. 

Types of ultrasound

• External ultrasound scan - An external ultrasound scan is when the probe is placed on your skin and moved over the area being examined. 
• Internal ultrasound scan - An internal ultrasound uses a probe inserted into the body to examine an area in more detail, such as the vagina or prostate. 

What is a transrectal ultrasound?

A transrectal ultrasound is when a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the back passage to create an image of the organs in the pelvis. It is most commonly used to evaluate the prostate.

What is a transvaginal ultrasound?

A transvaginal ultrasound is when a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to investigate the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, ovaries and cervix.

An X-ray is a quick an effective way of examining your body, most often for bones and joints, but also the lungs and breasts. Sometimes a substance called a contrast agent will be injected into your body or swallowed, depending on the area being investigated. 

Digital X-ray

Some of our centres offer digital X-ray scanning, which produces computer images rather than films to produce a scan. This allows your doctor to review the images immediately rather than waiting for a film to develop.