The Radiology Department at SVCCC is comprised of an experienced team of radiologists and technologists. Working closely with the myeloma oncologists and their patients, the radiology team helps to diagnose and stage the disease, evaluate the response to treatment, restage the disease when needed, and monitor for reoccurrence and relapse.
Leading-edge diagnostic testing
X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET-CT (positron emission/computed tomography) scans are the most commonly used imaging tools for the diagnosis and ongoing evaluation of multiple myeloma patients.
X-ray is the primary diagnostic study to aid in the detection of destructive bone changes from multiple myeloma.
MRI can be used to determine the exact location, size and local compressive effects of plasmacytomas and possible associated fractures. It can also be used to precisely define areas of the body for radiation therapy.
Because PET/CT scans the entire body, it is helpful in patients who have a plasmacytoma (a solitary mass of myeloma cells occurring in one location) to look for other undetected sites throughout the body. More recently, physicians have started to use PET/CT scans to help determine how well a particular treatment is working. For patients whose response to treatment can't be monitored through blood tests, this procedure is particularly helpful.
Ongoing, individualized consultation
Our radiologists work hand-in-hand with the myeloma team and their patients, providing individualized diagnostic consultation. When a physician brings a patient's case to the Radiology Department, he/she often consults with the radiologist to determine the best approach to getting necessary evaluation information.
Once a course of action is decided, the radiology team meets with the patient to explain what the test is for, how it is conducted, how long it will take, and answer any questions the patient might have. The team also talks to the patient about his or her symptoms. This pre-test inquiry is an important part of the diagnostic process; it helps the team to know what to focus on during the imaging procedure.
When the tests are completed, the radiologist interprets the results and reviews them with the myeloma team. Often, both the oncologist and radiologist will sit down with the patient and family to explain the test results. Providing this kind of personalized care is a key goal of the radiology staff, as well as the entire myeloma team.
Fast and easy access to diagnostic imaging
SVCCC's digital picture archiving system (PACS) makes it easy for physicians to quickly access films via computer. With this sophisticated tool, radiologists no longer have to wait to read films. Digital images are readily available on a computer screen—providing more clinical information to the radiologists for faster, more accurate diagnosis. Because of our digital system we are able to store all of a patient's images on a CD for the patient's personal record keeping or to review with their outside physicians.
