Diagnostic & Medical Imaging

Most cancer patients begin their care journey in Lakeridge Health’s diagnostic imaging department. From ultrasound, X-ray and mammogram to MRI and CT scan, imaging technologies play a critical role in diagnosing cancer and monitoring the disease during treatment and, often, for many years after.

Thanks to Our Cancer Campaign, a number of cutting-edge innovations are changing the way we detect and monitor cancer.

One Stop Shop for Screening and Assessment

For women and some men at risk of breast cancer, the Heather Griffith Breast Assessment Centre at Lakeridge Health is a one stop shop for screening and assessment. Advanced imaging is a critical tool in other areas of Lakeridge Health including the newly expanded interventional radiology suite, a regional hub for minimally-invasive cancer procedures such as ablation therapy, where specially trained doctors use an image-guided tool to burn or freeze the cancerous cells without surgery. The hospital’s imaging specialists also oversee the radioactive iodine treatments used to treat thyroid cancer. These experts are also involved in managing the pain from end-stage cancers that have spread to the bone.

Detect Early, and Treat Quickly

Every year, Lakeridge Health performs more than 18,000 scans to diagnose and monitor cancer, and the number of breast mammograms and biopsies top 24,000 and 1,000, respectively. In every case, our goal is to detect cancer early and treat it quickly, accurately and with the fewest possible side effects.

But all of this is only possible with the latest technologies. Like computers and smartphones, imaging equipment has a finite lifespan, and doctors, scientists and engineers are constantly introducing new innovations and practices for visualizing cancer inside the human body.

Bringing PET-CT Technology East of the City

The introduction of a PET-CT scanner at Lakeridge Health in 2024 will take cancer care east of Toronto to a whole new level. A fusion of positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized tomography (CT), this technology will provide detailed, three-dimensional scans that determine important information about a patient’s cancer. 

Approximately 30 patients a week are being sent outside their community to receive specialized PET-CT scans as part of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. These patients must navigate unfamiliar hospitals, battle traffic and rely on family and friends to drive during already stressful and difficult times in their journey with cancer – but only for a few more months.

The arrival of the PET-CT scanner will revolutionize our ability to detect and monitor cancer, determine the size, location and stage of a patient’s cancer and the right area to biopsy. It will also provide our medical professionals with better insights into treatment response and help gauge the likelihood of cancer returning.

We extend our deepest appreciation to all who contributed to this vital cause and share in the excitement of our staff and patient families for this new addition to our Hospital.

“From diagnosis to treatment, everything came together so quickly, in one place and so close to home. I’m grateful for everyone at Lakeridge Health that helped me along the way.”

— Selena’s thyroid cancer was diagnosed early and treated quickly, all without leaving the Diagnostic Imaging Department