The type of cancer and its progress is assessed through an evaluative process known as cancer staging, using one or more diagnostic options.
Diagnostic Radiology
St. Vincent uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scanner), ultrasound, fluoroscopic guidance, and nuclear medicine to diagnose and assess the patient's condition. With the growing field of interventional radiology, the use of radiologic diagnostic procedures is ever increasing in cancer care. An interventional procedure can sometimes help patients avoid more invasive surgical diagnostics.
Diagnostic radiology is also available at Billings MRI Center in two locations.
Mammography
Make time for one of the most important pictures in your life!
A mammogram can detect a breast lump years before you can and that can save your life. Every woman should follow the American Cancer Society recommendation — yearly screening mammography beginning at age 40.
Schedule your mammogram today at one of these two convenient locations:
Yellowstone Breast Center — 406-237-4373
Pathology
The Pathology and Laboratory Medicine departments support cancer care for St. Vincent Healthcare patients through all phases of diagnoses and treatment. State-of-the-art equipment results in rapid analysis of everything from tumor assessment and staging to determining the effectiveness of drug therapies.