MCG’s New CT Scanner Is More Comfortable Breast Cancer Fighting Tool

Augusta, GA—This is not your mother’s C-T scan. The Big Bore C-T has a larger opening, which means doctors can get better images of patients of all sizes….that’s especially important in planning radiation treatment in breast cancer patients.

During a routine mammography, a radiologist discovered a tumor in Linda White’s breast. Soon after, she had a lumpectomy. She decided on radiation to treat the tumor, but first, doctors had to map out a radiation treatment plan that would require using a C-T scan, but Linda was worried.

Linda White, breast cancer patient: “I have tried to have an MRI, several times, and just have not been able to do it. I have claustrophobia. As was a matter of fact, I was given valium over a period of time to try and get that MRI done, and there just wasn’t any way I could do it.“

But her experience with the Big Bore C-T scanner was beyond her expectations.

Linda White: “It absolutely was marvelous. I could lay there and go to sleep, as a matter of fact. It didn’t bother me in the least. I would recommend it to anyone that has a problem with claustrophobia.“

The first of its kind in the region, MCG Health oncologists can precisely plan their attack on breast tumors while sparing as much healthy breast tissue as possible.

Dr. Catherine Chang, MCG Radiation Oncology: “With a larger bore, which means there’s a larger opening for the patients to fit through when they get the C-T done, we can then get all our images done, so that we can map out radiation beams using those images…“

The Big Bore C-T produces detailed images of the inside of the body in mere seconds, and can accommodate patients of all sizes. The width of the new machine is one of its remarkable features. It enables breast cancer patients to be able to extend their arms into treatment position.

Dr. Change: “They need their arms stretched out, and that wider diameter, their arms are usually like this, means they need a larger opening to be able to get all the scanning done.“

This keeps the folds of the skin from getting in the way of an accurate scan and helps avoid having to reposition the arms, or the body, several times during the scanning phase.

The Big Bore C-T is also used for post-treatment scans so doctors can determine how well the cancer is responding to treatment. Then, if adjustments need to be made, the scanner helps radiologists zero in on additional target areas.