Outpatient diagnostic radiology at UT Medical Center includes state-of-the-art radiology imaging such as computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cancer imaging and tracer development.

Cancer Imaging and Tracer Development (PET/CT)

In a collaborative effort between the Cancer Institute and the UT Graduate School of Medicine, three researchers are pursuing studies in imaging instrumentation and molecular probes.

Molecular imaging plays an increasingly significant clinical role in the diagnosis, staging and therapeutic management of malignant disease. That being said, the need to develop new probes and advanced instrumentation has never been greater. For such research, visit the Graduate School of Medicine pages on Imaging and Tracer Development.

For more information call 865.305.6181.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

There are two high-field MRI units and one open MRI unit available at the institute. Also called magnetic resonance imaging or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, an MRI is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the body. An MRI can provide additional imaging information for the clinician based on its superior tissue contrast resolution. Combined with other imaging methods, a more definitive diagnosis can be given in the work up of a patient’s disease.

Whole-Body CT Screening for Cancer

While CT screening for coronary artery disease, lung cancer and colon cancer has great promise for early detection and increased patient awareness of his health status, the benefit to the entire patient population deserves and is undergoing extensive scrutiny.

Even when early detection of certain cancers can be shown to improve outcome, many other issues must be considered before the medical community and society decide to adopt a screening strategy. If the screening test unnecessarily leads to other studies or biopsies, as often seen with lung cancer screening, the cost to the individual and society escalates. On the other hand, participation in CT screening for colon cancer may become so desirable relative to colonoscopy that the benefit to society is worth the cost.

The article* by Drs. Modic and Obuchowski provides an excellent summary of the possibilities and controversies generated by the availability of CT scanning for screening. The reader should gain a greater insight into the issues of cost, accuracy, false positives and radiation exposure.

For more information regarding this subject, contact the Preston Medical Library at 865.305.9525.

Editorial comments by Ken Rule, M.D., Chairman; Department of Radiology, The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

* "Whole-Body CT Screening for Cancer and Coronary Disease: Does It Pass the Test?” Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, Vol. 71, No. 1, January 2004.