Drug Science
Diagnostic Imaging
A complete guide to cancer imaging modalities — from PET-CT and MRI to PSMA PET, DOTATATE, bone scan, mammography, ultrasound, and whole-body MRI. Understand what each scan shows, when it's used, and what to expect.
9
Modalities
5
Categories
3
Radiation-Free
PET-CT Scan
Whole-body metabolic imaging — detects cancer activity by measuring glucose uptake in tissues
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
High-resolution cross-sectional X-ray imaging — the workhorse of cancer staging and monitoring
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
No radiation — superior soft-tissue detail for brain, spine, liver, prostate, and breast imaging
PSMA PET Scan
The revolution in prostate cancer imaging — detects recurrence and metastases at extremely low PSA levels
DOTATATE PET Scan
Precision imaging for neuroendocrine tumours — maps somatostatin receptors for diagnosis and therapy selection
Bone Scan (Technetium Scintigraphy)
Whole-skeleton imaging for cancer spread to bone — standard for prostate, breast, and lung cancer staging
Mammography & Breast Imaging
The primary tool for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and surgical planning
Ultrasound in Oncology
Real-time, radiation-free imaging for liver, abdominal, thyroid, and lymph node assessment
Whole-Body MRI
Head-to-toe MRI without radiation — the new gold standard for myeloma and oligometastatic staging
Imaging modality selection should always be guided by your oncologist or radiologist based on your specific cancer type, stage, and clinical question. This content is informational only and not a substitute for specialist medical advice.