McKinney Regional Cancer Center (MRCC) provides patients and referring physicians with the latest technology, detect, characterize and quantify cancer and non-cancer conditions such as cardiology, neurology and psychiatry.  The Diagnostic Radiology Department at MRCC is open from 7:30 to 5:00 on weekdays. With a full-time Radiologist on site, the response time on radiology testing can be done in the same day, or in most cases, within 24 hours.
Computed Tomography (CT) – CT scanning involves an imaging test where radiation (xray) is combined with computer technology to produce cross-sectional (3D) images of internal organs, which aid in diagnosing diseases including cancer and monitoring cancer treatment. Except for the injection of a contrast (needed in most, but not all cases), this is a non-evasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis. This test is often referred to as a “CT” or “CAT” scan.
MRCC provides oncology and non-oncology diagnostic services with its state-of-the-art Siemens Somatome 16 Sensation scanner. This powerful CT machine provides sub-millimeter slices and routine 16-slice coverage to deliver a superior clinical assessment. It enables a 3-dimensional view of small vessels, fine bony structures, pulmonary arteries and much more.
The Center’s Siemens scanner offers a whole new approach to early detection and treatment—and piece of mind—through the Body Scan screening program.
The following scans are available:
- Full Body Scan
- Heart Scan (Cardiac Calcification Scoring)
- Lung Scan
- Virtual Colonoscopy
- Bone Density
- Diagnostic Radiography and Fluoroscopy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI is a method of producing images of the inside of the body. Instead of using X-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body. The information gathered is transferred to a computer that generates an image. Like X-rays, the procedure is physically painless. In addition to oncology patients, the Siemens Magnatom Symphony 1.5 Tesla is capable of providing high resolution diagnostic images for neurological, vascular, spinal, and orthopedic applications. Most exams take between 30 minutes to one hour to perform. An IV contrast is used at the discretion of the Radiologist.
Special MRI scans of the breast are available for high risk patients and those with suspicious or inconclusive mammograms or ultrasounds. To learn more, go to Breast MRI.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) –At the heart of the Center’s diagnostic capability is the most advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT) technology available for oncology diagnosis, as well as non-cancer applications in cardiology, neurology and psychiatry. MRCC’s Siemens Biography PET/CT Medical Systems is one of the highest-end fixed site units in the region.
PET/CT is a revolutionary, non-invasive technology that measures the body’s function and guides physicians in disease treatment. PET/CT goes beyond other scans, such as CT and MRI, by providing images of organ anatomy in the context of chemical and physiological changes related to the body’s metabolism (the CT portion of the PET/CT does not replace the need for a complete diagnostic CT scan). PET/CT’s unique advantages can lead to improved survival rates and lower medical costs, meaning that:
- Diagnosis of problems can be made earlier.
- Physicians can determine how tumors are responding to treatment.
- Multiple tests can be reduced or eliminated.
- Pre-surgical assessments can be made without invasive procedures and distant metastases can be identified, potentially improving how patients are treated and managed.
PET/CT scanning is a clinically-proven method for imaging lung, breast, brain, colorectal cancers and lymphoma. PET/CT is also providing new breakthroughs for cardiology, neurology and psychiatry diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s Disease.
A PET/CT scan creates an image of the body (or biochemical events) after an injection of a low dose of a radioactive form of a substance such as glucose(sugar). The scan computes the rate at which the tumor uses the sugar. In general, high-grade tumors use more sugar than normal and low-grade tumors. Recent studies have confirmed that PET/CT scanning is more accurate in detecting and staging various forms of cancer than other tests.
Ultrasound – Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, produces images by using high frequency sound waves through  a small hand-held device called a transducer. A clear gel is applied to the body part being examined to allow the sound waves to travel into the body which are converted into an image on a viewing screen. The sonographer will take as many images as necessary to cover the area of interest. We are qualified to perform general, gynecological, small parts, vascular, and echocardiograms in our facilities. The benefits to these exams are they are noninvasive, painless and do not use radiation.
 Nuclear Medicine – Nuclear Medicine scans involve injecting radioisotopes into the bloodstream through an IV to access structure and function of organ systems and identify areas of disease using a special camera interfaced with a computer system. Examples of this type of exam are liver/spleen scans, muga scans of the heart, bone scans, Gallium scans, thyroid uptake scans and renal function scans to name a few.
Breast MRI – Breast MRI Scans Provide Answers
Studies show Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to be extremely sensitive and effective at finding breast cancer in high-risk women. This FDA-approved procedure uses powerful magnets and radio waves (instead of x-rays) to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images, and assesses abnormal function in addition to structure to detect breast cancer at early stages. McKinney Regional Cancer Center uses state of the art Siemens 1.5 Tesla Magnetom Symphony with dynamic imaging and special software to diagnosis areas of interest in breast tissue.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions on Breast MRI’s.
Contact Us with any questions or concerns.
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