Cancer Imaging: A Clinical Perspective

Most cancers are diagnosed either due to the appearance of signs and symptoms, or via screening. Some signs that are symptomatic of a cancer include a lump, unexplained weight loss, prolonged cough, abnormal bleeding, etc. Tissue from the area under suspicion is examined using x-rays, blood tests, endoscopy and contrast CT scans. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are routinely used for diagnosis and detection of cancer. Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics are some other kinds of tissue tests. Diagnosis of the tissue through a biopsy allows insight into the kind of proliferating cell, the associated genetic abnormalities, histological grade, etc. These tests allow information about molecular changes in fusion genes, chromosome number and mutations, thus enabling better assessment or prognosis and good treatment. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide a clinical perspective of cancer imaging. It covers in detail some existing techniques and innovative practices concerning cancer imaging. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the elaborate content of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts of the subject.