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What methods do you use to distinguish between normal and tumor tissue before radiation therapy?

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Radiation Therapy Radiation Radiation Treatment Radiology

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Radiation Therapy X Radiation X Radiation Treatment X Radiology X

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MattKatzMD (Physician - Oncology - Radiation (Verified) ) - 08 / 18 / 2011

Hi AK:

Good question. Short answer: it varies. Long answer:

For newly diagnosed breast cancer, radiation is most often used after surgery. As a result, there is nothing objectively measurable left of the tumor. Unless physical exam gives reason to suspect a recurrence before radiation has begun, usually no testing is performed. CT scans used to plan radiation therapy can identify the postoperative area but can't distinguish tumor from normal breast tissue.

In some other tumors, like lung cancer, it's clearer that the tumor appears abnormal on chest x-ray, CT or PET scan. However, imaging alone is usually not enough and biopsy is needed to confirm.

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Latest Activity: 08 / 18 / 2011
Views: 182
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