Imaging in Oncology

Medical imaging plays a key role in the care of cancer patients. To carry out a patient- and disease-specific diagnostic workup, the appropriate imaging technique(s) must be selected from a wide array of options, including conventional radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging approaches. The selection of an appropriate imaging test requires knowledge about the technical fundamentals and diagnostic potential of the various imaging modalities available. This chapter presents the basic principles of the key oncologic imaging techniques, followed by a review of the goals of imaging in different clinical situations. Finally, radiation safety issues are discussed.