Imaging
Overview
Imaging tests are common tools used by health care providers to screen for medical problems, diagnose diseases and conditions, monitor existing conditions, and assess whether treatments are effective. Often, imaging tests are done as part of regular wellness screenings, for example with mammograms to detect breast cancer or calcium scoring to assess risk for heart disease.
Imaging can also be used to guide the medical team during a variety of different procedures, including stent and catheter placement, needle biopsies and cancer treatments that target the tumor(s) directly.
Common imaging tests include X-ray, computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET scan) and fluoroscopy.
