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How Can Radiology Help Treat Bowel Cancer?

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a significant global health concern. It is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

According to Bowel Cancer Australia, 15,610 Australians are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, with 5,354 Australians every year passing away from the condition. Additionally, it is also the deadliest form of cancer for Australians aged between 25 and 49.

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and so we are going to explore the vital role played by medical imaging and radiology clinics in identifying and treating bowel cancer, while enhancing patient care and survival rates.

How can diagnostic imaging help to treat bowel cancer?

Timely detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for successful treatment outcomes, and medical imaging clinics can play a pivotal role in the screening and early detection of bowel cancer. Medical imaging plays a vital role in treatment planning and monitoring the response to therapy. Precise imaging techniques like CT and MRI scans help determine the stage of bowel cancer, aiding in the selection of appropriate treatment strategies.

Radiologists collaborate with oncologists and surgeons to evaluate treatment effectiveness, assess tumour shrinkage, and identify potential complications. This information guides adjustments in treatment protocols, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.

At South Coast Radiology, our medical imaging clinics led by specialist radiologists employ various imaging modalities to detect and identify potential abnormalities, including MRI and CT scans. These scans allow medical professionals to visualise the colon and rectum area in a non-invasive way and identify polyps or tumours. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

What Medical Imaging Techniques are used to treat bowel cancer?

Medical imaging techniques, such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, provide valuable diagnostic information for staging and assessing the extent of bowel cancer. CT scans are particularly useful for identifying lymph node involvement, liver metastasis, and evaluating the spread of cancer beyond the bowel. MRI scans offer detailed images of the rectum, aiding in treatment planning and assessing the response to therapy. Ultrasound can help identify tumour masses and evaluate nearby structures.

To discover more about the diagnostic imaging techniques used by South Coast Radiology in treating bowel cancer, click below:

  • MRI

  • CT

  • Interventional Procedures

  • Ultrasound

Treatment planning and monitoring

Medical imaging plays a vital role in treatment planning and monitoring the response to therapy. Precise imaging techniques like CT and MRI scans help determine the stage of bowel cancer, aiding in the selection of appropriate treatment strategies. Radiologists collaborate with oncologists and surgeons to evaluate treatment effectiveness, assess tumour shrinkage, and identify potential complications. This information guides adjustments in treatment protocols, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Bowel Cancer

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses magnetism to build up cross-sectional pictures of the body. The use of MRI of rectal cancers is currently proposed as a technique for pre-operative staging and as a technique for re-imaging cancers following pre-operative radiotherapy. Before the scan, the patient may be given an injection of dye into a vein in the arm, to improve the image. The scan takes about 30 minutes, during which time the patient will lie inside a chamber which is often long and narrow. This can feel claustrophobic. People who have heart monitors, pacemakers or certain types of surgical clips cannot have an MRI because of the magnetic fields.

Virtual Colonoscopy for Bowel Cancer

Virtual colonoscopy (also known as Computerised Tomographic Colonography – CTC) is a procedure that uses a series of advanced imaging that permits minimally invasive evaluation of the colon and rectum without the need for sedation. A computer puts the pictures together to create detailed images that may show polyps and anything else that seems unusual on the inside surface of the bowel. If the detailed images show polyps and anything else that seems unusual and your specialist wishes to perform a biopsy, you must have a colonoscopy. It has an established place in investigating symptomatic patients and following incomplete colonoscopies. The risk for procedure-related complications is low, although CT involves larger radiation doses than the more common, conventional x-ray imaging procedures.

Interventional Radiology Procedures to Treat Bowel Cancer

Interventional radiology techniques are increasingly being employed in the treatment of bowel cancer. These minimally invasive procedures offer alternative treatment options, particularly for patients who may not be suitable for surgery. Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization, and selective internal radiation therapy can be used to target and destroy tumour cells or to control symptoms in advanced cases. Interventional radiology procedures offer a less invasive and faster recovery option for certain patients.

Follow-Up and Surveillance

After a patient has undergone initial treatment for bowel cancer, regular follow-up and surveillance are essential to monitor for recurrence or metastasis. Medical imaging plays a critical role in detecting and evaluating any potential disease progression. Regular imaging examinations, such as CT scans, help identify any recurrence and guide subsequent treatment decisions. Radiology clinics contribute significantly to the long-term management and care of bowel cancer patients.

Early Detection of Bowel Cancer

If you feel you may be experiencing the signs of bowel cancer, we recommend that you book a visit with your doctor today. From there, they will work with you to determine if you require any additional scans. Medical imaging and radiology clinics are invaluable in the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of bowel cancer. Using advanced imaging techniques, these clinics aid in the early detection, accurate staging, treatment planning, and monitoring of patients. By providing precise information and facilitating minimally invasive interventions, medical imaging plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and survival rates. As technology continues to advance, the collaboration between radiologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and oncologists will further enhance the detection and treatment of bowel cancer, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

Bowel Cancer Imaging at South Coast Radiology

At South Coast Radiology, we have a network of subspecialist radiologists who are able to identify and detect bowel cancer using medical imaging techniques. We accept all GP and specialist referrals at our network of 17 clinics.

With over 50 years of experience in performing diagnostic medical imaging for the Gold Coast community, South Coast Radiology has built a reputation for providing accurate and timely results to help patients and their healthcare providers make informed decisions about their health.

To book an appointment, be sure to contact our booking centre on 1300 197 297 or book an appointment with South Coast Radiology by clicking here.

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