Early Detection & Diagnosis
Discovering cancer at the earliest stages offers the best opportunity for successful treatment, and Merit Health Central is committed to promoting early detection through screenings and diagnostic services. Whether it’s offering screening exams or holding education events in the community, part of care focuses on prevention.
Oncologists diagnose and plan a treatment strategy through:
- Imaging technology – Computerized tomography (CT or CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound imaging (sonography), positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT scanning and other advanced imaging technologies provide a detailed picture of internal organs and tissues to detect cancer.
- Breast cancer detection – Merit Health Central offers sophisticated breast imaging technologies such as digital mammography and breast MRI, which can play an important role in early detection of breast cancer.
- Biopsy – Biopsies determine whether cells are cancerous and if so, determine the type and stage of cancer. Advanced imaging technology — such as MRI, CT and ultrasound — are often combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples.
Resources
Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer