A bilateral breast MRI means MRI images are taken of both breasts in the same exam. This is common for screening in higher-risk patients or for detailed treatment planning.
It gives more detail than alone in some situations, but it can also find things that need follow-up imaging or .
(DEXA)
A bone density scan, often called a DEXA scan, checks bone strength and risk of osteoporosis. It is especially relevant for people on certain hormone-blocking treatments that can thin bones.
It is quick, low-radiation, and used to track bone health over time, not to diagnose cancer spread.
(Nuclear Bone Scan)
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test that looks for areas of unusual bone activity, which can include arthritis, healing injury, or possible cancer involvement.
It uses a small injected tracer and a scan camera later. If something lights up, doctors usually combine that result with symptoms and other imaging.
Contrast dye is a substance used in some imaging tests to make blood vessels, organs, or tissues easier to see. Different scans use different contrast types.
When people say '' they usually mean this added step for clearer images. Tell your team if you had prior contrast reactions or kidney issues.
A CT scan uses X-rays and computer imaging to create detailed pictures inside the body. It helps find, measure, and monitor cancer.
You may get contrast dye before the scan to make images clearer. The scan itself is usually quick.
This is a CT scan done after IV and/or oral contrast is given to improve detail. It helps radiologists better see blood flow, organs, and potential lesions.
You may feel warm during injection, which is common. The added detail can be very important for staging and follow-up.
This is a CT scan done without contrast dye. It is sometimes chosen when contrast is not needed, not safe, or would not add useful information for that specific question.
It can still provide valuable information, especially for certain urgent checks or baseline comparisons.
Gadolinium contrast is the contrast agent commonly used with MRI scans. It helps make certain tissues and abnormalities easier to see.
Most people tolerate it well, but kidney function and prior reaction history may affect whether it is used.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a low-dose breast X-ray used for screening or diagnostic follow-up. It can find changes before they are felt.
If something looks unclear, extra views or are common next steps and do not always mean cancer.
MRI
MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues. It is commonly used in breast and gynecologic cancer workups.
It does not use radiation. The machine can feel noisy and enclosed, so tell your team if claustrophobia is a concern.
MRI with contrast means contrast is injected during the exam to highlight blood flow patterns and tissue differences. This often improves detection of active or suspicious areas.
For breast MRI, contrast is commonly part of standard protocol. If you are anxious about IVs or enclosed spaces, ask about support options before the scan day.
MRI without contrast is done when contrast is not needed for the clinical question or when contrast is not advisable. It can still provide excellent structural detail.
Your team chooses with or without contrast based on what they are trying to answer, not because one is always better.
A nuclear medicine scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show how organs or tissues are functioning, not just how they look. Bone scans and some thyroid or cardiac tests are examples.
In cancer care, these tests can add functional information when regular imaging leaves questions.
A PET scan shows areas of high metabolic activity, which can help identify active cancer. It is often combined with CT as PET/CT.
It is one piece of the puzzle, interpreted alongside clinical findings and other imaging.
(PFT)
A pulmonary function test checks how well your lungs move air and exchange oxygen. It is commonly used before lung surgery, some chest radiation plans, or when breathing symptoms show up.
The test involves breathing into a machine with guided instructions. Results help teams plan safer treatment and recovery.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images and is often used for breast, pelvic, and gynecologic evaluation. It is painless and has no radiation.
It is frequently used as a follow-up to mammogram findings or to guide biopsies.
With Contrast
'With contrast' means an imaging test includes a contrast agent to improve visibility of certain tissues, vessels, or abnormalities.
This can increase diagnostic detail, but your team may check kidney function or allergy history first.
Without Contrast
'Without contrast' means an imaging test is done without added contrast dye. This may be enough for the question being asked, or safer in certain situations.
It is not automatically a lower-quality test, it is just a different protocol matched to the clinical need.