We also use CT scanners linked to the machines delivering the radiation. The scanners allow us to visualize the bladder as well as normal surrounding tissue, such as the bowel and rectum. By using these advanced techniques, we can achieve high cure rates and maximize the chances of preserving a healthy bladder.
What is the role of CT in bladder cancer diagnosis?
The type of radiation most often used to treat bladder cancer is called external beam radiation therapy. It focuses radiation from a source outside of the body on the cancer. Before your treatments start, your radiation team will take careful measurements to find the exact angles for aiming the radiation beams and the proper dose of radiation.
How is radiation used to treat bladder cancer?
A CT scan is a test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It takes pictures from different angles. The computer puts them together to make a 3 dimensional (3D) image. CT (or CAT) stands for computed (axial) tomography. You usually have a CT scan in the x-ray (radiology) department as an outpatient .
How is a bladder CT scan performed?
Apr 12, 2022 · Of additional note, while the amount of radiation used in CT scans can vary in clinical practice, CT scans deliver considerably more radiation than a typical x-ray. Therefore CT scans can carry risks associated with increased radiation exposure, such as radiation-induced future cancer. Other imaging approaches to detect or monitor bladder cancer MRI
Can an ultrasound of the bladder detect cancer?
Computed tomography is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body. It is sometimes called computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT).. The term tomography comes from the Greek words tomos (a cut, a slice, or a section) and graphein (to write or record). Each picture …
Why do I need a CT scan on my bladder?
What does a CT scan show for bladder cancer?
What is CT simulation for radiation therapy?
What is the role of CT in cancer imaging?
What are the symptoms of advanced bladder cancer?
- An inability to urinate.
- Lower back pain on one side of the body.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Overwhelming fatigue.
- Bone pain.
- Swelling in the feet.
What happens in the final stages of bladder cancer?
Why do you have a CT scan before radiotherapy?
What happens during CT simulation?
Why is simulation important in radiotherapy?
Why would a doctor order a CT scan?
How often do cancer patients get CT scans?
How soon after radiation can you have a CT scan?
When Might Radiation Therapy Be used?
Radiation therapy can be used: 1. As part of the treatment for some early stage bladder cancers, after surgery that doesn’t remove the whole bladde...
How Is Radiation Therapy given?
The type of radiation most often used to treat bladder cancer, known as external beam radiation therapy, focuses radiation from a source outside of...
Possible Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
Side effects of radiation depend on the dose given and the area being treated. They can include: 1. Skin changes in areas getting radiation, rangin...
What is computed tomography?
Computed tomography ( CT ) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside t...
What can a person expect during a CT procedure?
During a CT procedure, the person lies very still on a table, and the table passes slowly through the center of a large donut-shaped x-ray machine....
How is CT used in cancer?
CT is used in cancer in many different ways: To screen for cancer To help diagnose the presence of a tumor To provide information about the stage...
How is CT used in cancer screening?
Studies have shown that CT can be effective in both colorectal cancer screening (including screening for large polyps ) and lung cancer screenin...
What is total, or whole-body, CT?
Total, or whole-body, CT creates pictures of nearly every area of the body—from the chin to below the hips. This procedure, which is used routinely...
What is combined PET/CT?
Combined PET/CT uses two imaging methods, CT and positron emission tomography (PET), in one procedure. CT is done first to create anatomic pict...
Is the radiation from CT harmful?
Some people may be concerned about the amount of radiation they receive during CT. CT imaging involves the use of x-rays , which are a form of...
What are the risks of CT scans for children?
Radiation exposure from CT scans affects adults and children differently. Children are considerably more sensitive to radiation than adults because...
What is being done to reduce the level of radiation exposure from CT?
In response to concerns about the increased risk of cancer associated with CT and other imaging procedures that use ionizing radiation , sever...
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan is a test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It takes pictures from different angles. The computer puts them together to make a 3 dimensional (3D) image.
What is a CT scan of the abdomen?
Knowing this helps your specialist decide on the best treatment for you. A CT scan is a test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It takes pictures from different angles.
What is a voiceover CT scan?
Voiceover: A CT scan helps your doctor make a diagnosis, decide about what treatment you need or find out if your treatment is working. This type of scan takes a series of x-rays and uses a computer to put them together. Before your scan you may need to drink either half a litre of water or a type of dye called a contrast medium.
What is the best way to make a scan clearer?
Before your scan you may need to drink either half a litre of water or a type of dye called a contrast medium. This helps to make the scan clearer.
How long does a CT scan take?
This creates a very detailed picture of the part of your body being scanned. Most scans take just a few minutes.
How long do you stay in the hospital after a CT scan?
After your CT scan. You stay in the department for about 15 to 30 minutes if you had an injection of the dye. This is in case it makes you feel unwell, which is rare. Your radiographer removes the cannula from your arm before you go home. You should be able to go home, back to work or the ward soon afterwards.
Is a CT scan safe?
A CT scan is a safe test for most people but like all medical tests it has some possible risks. Your doctor and radiographer make sure the benefits of having the test outweigh these risks.
Imaging Techniques To Detect Bladder Cancer
Imaging techniques, which include ultrasound, computed tomography (or CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) and x-ray approaches, provide an important means of assessing the urinary tract, including the kidneys, and play an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of bladder cancer.
Detecting bladder cancer with ultrasound
An ultrasound (which may also be referred to as a sonogram) uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs. Echoes, which are created as sound waves bounce off organs and tissues, produce computer images that provide information on the structure and movement of organs and the blood flow through vessels.
How do ultrasounds help detect and monitor bladder cancer?
An ultrasound of the urinary tract can help assess the size of a bladder tumor and whether a bladder cancer has spread. Ultrasound is able to differentiate between fluid-filled cysts and solid tumors, however, it cannot determine if a tumor is cancerous. Ultrasound can also be used to guide a biopsy needle to sample a suspected cancer.
Detecting bladder cancer with CT scans
A CT scan uses x-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the body. Compared to a general x-ray test, which directs a broad x-ray beam from a single angle, the CT scan uses a number of thin beams to produce a series of images from different angles.
Other imaging approaches to detect or monitor bladder cancer
An MRI scan uses radio waves and magnets to produce more detailed pictures of soft tissues. MRI scans can show whether bladder cancer has spread to other tissues or to the lymph nodes. To improve the quality of the images it’s sometimes necessary to administer an intravenous dye.
Can radiation be used for a CT scan?
Depending on the part of the body to be scanned, the provider may reduce the radiation dose or use an alternative imaging method. However, the level of radiation exposure in a CT scan is believed to be too low to harm a growing fetus. Patient undergoing CT of the abdomen.
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography ( CT) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body. It is sometimes called computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT). The term tomography comes from the Greek words tomos (a cut, a slice, or a section) and graphein ...
What does it mean when a person is still on a table during a CT scan?
With some types of CT scanners, the table stays still and the machine moves around the person. The person might hear whirring sounds during the procedure.
Why do you have to hold your breath during CT?
At times during a CT procedure, the person may be asked to hold their breath to prevent blurring of the images. Sometimes, CT involves the use of a contrast (imaging) agent, or dye. The dye may be given by mouth, injected into a vein, given by enema, or given in all three ways before the procedure.
How is contrast dye given?
The dye may be given by mouth, injected into a vein, given by enema, or given in all three ways before the procedure. The contrast dye highlights specific areas inside the body, resulting in clearer pictures. Iodine and barium are two dyes commonly used in CT.
Can contrast agents cause kidney problems?
Very rarely, the contrast agents used in CT can cause kidney problems for certain patients, such as those with impaired kidney function. Patient kidney function can be checked with a simple blood test before the contrast agent is injected. CT is a noninvasive procedure and does not cause any pain.
How long does a CT scan last?
The length of a CT procedure depends on the size of the area being scanned, but it usually lasts only a few minutes to half an hour. For most people, the CT is performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or a radiology center, without an overnight hospital stay.
Imaging Techniques To Detect Bladder Cancer
Imaging techniques, which include ultrasound, computed tomography (or CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) and x-ray approaches, provide an important means of assessing the urinary tract, including the kidneys, and play an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of bladder cancer.
Detecting bladder cancer with ultrasound
An ultrasound (which may also be referred to as a sonogram) uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs. Echoes, which are created as sound waves bounce off organs and tissues, produce computer images that provide information on the structure and movement of organs and the blood flow through vessels.
How do ultrasounds help detect and monitor bladder cancer?
An ultrasound of the urinary tract can help assess the size of a bladder tumour and whether a bladder cancer has spread. Ultrasound is able to differentiate between fluid-filled cysts and solid tumours, however, it cannot determine if a tumour is cancerous. Ultrasound can also be used to guide a biopsy needle to sample a suspected cancer.
Detecting bladder cancer with CT scans
A CT scan uses x-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the body. Compared to a general x-ray test, which directs a broad x-ray beam from a single angle, the CT scan uses a number of thin beams to produce a series of images from different angles.
Other imaging approaches to detect or monitor bladder cancer
An MRI scan uses radio waves and magnets to produce more detailed pictures of soft tissues. MRI scans can show whether bladder cancer has spread to other tissues or to the lymph nodes. To improve the quality of the images it’s sometimes necessary to administer an intravenous dye.
Can bladder cancer be treated with radiation?
As part of your treatment for bladder cancer, you may receive radiation therapy before, during, or after surgery. This can shrink the tumors or destroy any remaining cancer cells. For some people, we may use radiation, often combined with a low dose of chemotherapy, in place of surgery altogether. Our radiation oncologists use advanced techniques ...
Can you use radiation on bladder cancer?
It is most commonly recommended if the cancer has spread beyond the bladder. Because this treatment occurs during the surgery and can be delivered to a precisely defined area, it is possible to use a higher-than-usual dose of radiation.
Can you get radiation therapy for bladder cancer?
The form we recommend depends on the type of cancer, the location of the tumor, and whether it has spread. As part of your treatment for bladder cancer, you may receive radiation therapy before, during, or after surgery. This can shrink the tumors or destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Can radiation kill cancer cells?
This can kill cancer cells that may remain after the tumor is removed. It is most commonly recommended if the cancer has spread beyond the bladder. Because this treatment occurs during the surgery and can be delivered to a precisely defined area, it is possible to use a higher-than-usual dose of radiation.
What is intraoperative radiation therapy?
Intraoperative radiation therapy is a treatment given during bladder cancer surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. This approach delivers powerful radiation through thin tubes called catheters that are placed directly on the tissue. This can kill cancer cells that may remain after the tumor is removed.
What is intensity modulated radiation therapy?
The precise imaging methods we use when planning treatment allow us to safely and effectively use intensity-modulated radiation therapy. This technique uses computer programs to calculate and deliver varying doses of radiation directly to the tumor from different angles. Our radiation oncologists, in close collaboration with the medical physics team, played a leading role in developing this type of radiation therapy.
What is external beam radiation?
External-beam radiation therapy is the most common form of radiation treatment. It is delivered by a machine from outside the body. The radiation is most often in the form of X-rays. Sometimes the charged particles called protons or other types of energy are used.