Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are used to detect the possible spread of melanoma to lymph nodes or other organs in the body. These tests are most often used in patients with advanced stages of melanoma.

• Chest X-Ray: A Chest X-Ray is done to determine if the melanoma has metastasized to the lungs.
• Computed Tomography (CT): The CT scan is more detailed than the x-ray and provides cross-sectional images of the body, specifically the soft tissues. The CT scanner takes several pictures as it rotates around the patient and then combines the pictures to provide a detailed image. Sometimes a contrast dye is used to better identify abnormal areas of the body.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI’s provide detailed pictures of the soft tissue of the body using radio waves and strong magnets. MRI scans are very helpful in looking at the brain and the spinal cord.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): For a PET scan, the patient is injected with glucose that contains a radioactive atom. The cancer cells in the body will absorb the radioactive sugar. The camera will then capture the areas of radioactivity in the body, helping the doctor determine how much the melanoma has spread.
• Bone Scan: A bone scan is used to determine if the cancer has spread to the bones, but is rarely used in melanoma.