When a Second Opinion Is Needed on Your Imaging Scan

If your doctor suspects that you have a cancerous tumor, a CT scan can reveal important details about the location of the mass, as well as its shape and size. This diagnostic option does not require any surgery and can be done in a relatively short period of time—typically within 10 to 30 minutes. However, a single imaging scan may not tell the whole story about your cancer.

When a CT Scan May Be Recommended

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan after a mammogram shows certain risk factors in order to get a more complete picture of your breast health. If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, a CT scan—which takes a series of X-ray images from different angles—can help your doctor see whether your breast cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other areas of the body. This information is vital in determining a treatment plan that works best for you.

Your doctor may also rely on a CT scan to help her direct a biopsy needle to an area of the body from which she will need to extract a tissue sample.

How Accurate is a CT Scan for Cancer?

A CT scan cannot determine whether tissue is cancerous or not. Once a tumor is detected, your doctor may recommend an Accelerated Breast MRI™, also known as abbreviated breast MRI, available at American Health Imaging (AHI). This technology may capture more detailed images and detect cancers in their earliest stages, when they’re easier to treat. Specifically, when breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 100%.

The sooner your cancer is detected, the more quickly you and your doctor can design and launch your treatment plan.

Different Opinions

Radiologists may interpret the same scan in different ways. Having multiple medical professionals review the same images can help ensure that your scans are being viewed as completely as possible.

Request an appointment at AHI online or call (855) 674-2464.