For example, women receive mammography to detect early breast cancer. Ochsner physicians are leading the field regionally and nationally in the use of stereotactic core biopsy, an innovative technique for determining whether or not a breast lesion is cancerous. For cancer patients, members of the Radiology Department are instrumental in planning treatment. Sophisticated diagnostic studies can be conducted to look for metastases, for example the spread of colon cancer to other organs such as the liver. Ultrasound can be used intra-operatively to identify lesions that must be removed.
Radiologists are also essential in follow-up, to monitor the cancer patient's response to treatment.