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State-of the-Art Diagnostic Imaging Systems Support our Cancer Program

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a unique diagnostic tool that shows the chemical functioning of organs and tissues. In many cases, information obtained from the PET scan cannot be seen through CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-ray, blood tests or physical examination. Learn more.

CT scanning (computed tomography) is a high-resolution device that can make images of all organs in the body in a few seconds.

Radiology departments of CHRISTUS Hospital-St. Elizabeth and St. Mary feature the world’s first FDA-cleared true 64-slice CT system, the Aquilion 64 CFX. This system provides highly detailed images of the human body. CHRISTUS Hospital is the first medical system in Southeast Texas to offer patients this state-of-the-art, innovative technology. Learn more.

CT guided biopsy (computed tomography) is commonly used to provide images that help guide the tools or equipment necessary to perform a biopsy.

In the process of performing a biopsy, such as a needle biopsy, the CT is used to guide the needle to the site of the biopsy and to provide rapid and precise localization of the needle. CT enables imaging of areas that are normally beyond visible boundaries. This enables the physician to see the target area clearly and help to ensure that the tissue being removed is from the target lesion.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives information that cannot be seen on an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI is used to find problems such as tumors, bleeding, injury, blood vessel problems, or infection. An MRI can be done for the head, chest, blood vessels, abdomen/pelvis, bones/joints, and spine. Learn more.

Advanced HD MR Imaging from GE Healthcare is available at CHRISTUS Hospital-St. Elizabeth. This state-of-the-art high definition (HD) Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system provides highly detailed pictures of anatomy and pathology and will improve our ability to provide early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like cancer.

The HD MRI system is the first of its kind to be installed in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area and will ensure that CHRISTUS will stay at the forefront of medical imaging for years to come. Learn more.

Mammography is the most important tool we have to diagnose breast cancer in it’s earliest stages – while it is most treatable. Along with standard screening and diagnostic mammography, breast MRI, and breast ultrasound, CHRISTUS Hospital-St. Elizabeth and St. Mary also offers Miraluma breast imaging – a sophisticated nuclear test that uses gamma rays to detect cancer. CHRISTUS Hospital also uses computer-aided detection (CAD) used to detect cancer at the earliest stages. The R2 Image Checker® System helps radiologists by digitizing and analyzing mammograms for suspicious regions that may indicate breast cancer. Learn more.

Advanced digital mammography is available at the CHRISTUS Outpatient Pavilion at St. Elizabeth. The digital mammography equipment is used in tandem with traditional film screen mammography systems, and primarily utilized for screening purposes. Learn more.

Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology. It comprises diagnostic examinations that result in images of body anatomy and function. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations.
Imaging studies include I-123 uptake studies to measure thyroid function, I-131 therapy for hyperthyroid and cancer treatment, Multiple Gated Acquisition Scan (MUGA), cardiac stress studies, Miraluma® breast imaging, renal studies, and scans of the lung, bone, liver and spleen. Nuclear medicine imaging is sometimes used with sentinel lymph node biopsy to help determine if the lymph nodes contain cancer cells. Learn more.

Stereotactic breast biopsy uses digital mammography to precisely locate a lesion within the breast. "Stereotactic" means that the breast biopsy path is imaged from two slightly angled directions to help guide the needle. At CHRISTUS Hospital, the procedure is done with the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System, a minimally invasive breast biopsy device that allows doctors to biopsy suspicious tissue through a tiny incision in less than an hour, with an immediate recovery.

X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. CHRISTUS Hospital provides the latest in x-ray technology enabling physicians to capture and view detailed 3-D images of the body’s systems. The multifunctional system can aid in the precise diagnosis of many conditions.

Convenient, free parking is available at all CHRISTUS Hospital—St. Elizabeth and St. Mary locations, and complimentary valet parking is available at St. Elizabeth's main entrance.