Diagnostic radiology provides diagnostic imaging for the staging and treatment of cancers. Ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scanning, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), nuclear medicine, and angiographic and radiographic procedures help with the identification and extent of the disease.

In 2001, Piedmont installed an onsite PET (positron emission tomography) scanner. Also that year, the American College of Radiology certified the mammogram units at Piedmont Hospital and our two off-site units: Macy's Perimeter Mall and Piedmont Physicians at Roswell Road. Diagnostic and therapeutic image-guided procedures performed onsite include needle localization and angiography.

Piedmont recently upgraded its CT stimulator, which produces images faster and in greater detail than ever before. These images are transferred to treatment-planning computers, where physicists and dosimetrists (specialists in measuring radiation dosage) customize radiation therapy treatments for each patient.

Radiology is also used to determine if the course of treatment is having beneficial effects for patients who have tumor remaining or who have metastatic disease.