Diagnostic and Imaging Services

Sophisticated technology and qualified staff improve the accuracy with which we can diagnose cancer and allow the physicians at the Lankenau Hospital Cancer Center to find cancers earlier, in their most treatable stage. Highly skilled, board-certified radiologists and technicians use the most advanced imaging technology and equipment available to detect even the most microscopic of tumors. And board-certified pathologists work closely with surgeons during the biopsy to facilitate an accurate diagnosis. This collaborative approach is part of our team concept and allows patients to have accurate diagnoses in the quickest time possible.

Diagnostic Imaging Services 

Aiding in our ability to spot and identify cancers at their earliest stages are some of the most advanced radiological and imaging technologies available. The Lankenau Hospital Cancer Center utilizes the talents and tools of Main Line Health Imaging, featuring some of the top radiology specialists in the region.

The Main Line Health team of radiologists and technologists performs a full range of radiology services at Lankenau Hospital and at conveniently located outpatient imaging centers. All locations are connected through a high-speed network that allows us to share high-resolution images and patient information throughout our entire healthcare system, consult with other specialists and deliver prompt, accurate diagnoses.

Our broad range of diagnostic imaging capabilities include:

Mammography and Biopsy

Our Breast Diagnostic Center offers patients the latest in cancer-detection technology, including digital mammography with computer-aided detection, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and minimally invasive biopsy techniques, such as ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, needle localization biopsies and sentinel node biopsy.

PET Scanning

Positron-emission tomography (PET) is a revolutionary imaging system that provides physicians with critical diagnostic information about the metabolic activity within the body to aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

CT Scanning

Lankenau offers the most advanced computed tomography (CT) equipment available, such as the GE 16-slice CT scanner, providing radiologists with highly detailed views and assisting in the early detection of lung and other cancers. CT and PET studies can be digitally fused online from any Main Line Health facility.

MRI

Main Line Health offers both 1.5-tesla and the more advanced 3-tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Lankenau was one of the first hospitals in the region to offer 3T breast MRI to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning for breast cancer. Our 3T system offers MR spectroscopy, which helps doctors more specifically characterize cancers, differentiating them from other diseases.

High-Resolution Ultrasound

High-resolution ultrasound provides superior visual detail for a more accurate and complete analysis of abnormalities.

> Visit Main Line Health Imaging for more detailed information about these state-of-the-art imaging technologies.

Pathology Services

At Lankenau Hospital, board-certified pathologists work closely with the surgeon during the biopsy to facilitate an accurate diagnosis. This collaborative approach is part of our team concept and allows patients to have the results of their biopsies as soon as possible, often within the hour.

Our Pathology Department is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and includes state-of-the-art advanced technology that is often only seen in a university setting. Pathology techniques relating to cancer diagnosis include:

Immunohistochemistry

In our immunohistochemistry lab, pathologists can perform special stains to evaluate different types of tumors. This includes the ability to perform prognosticators (for example, ER, PR and HER-2) to accurately assess different types of breast cancers and influence treatment options.

Electron Microscopy

Our pathologists use electron microscopy to evaluate the cells of many types of cancers.

Cytology

The pathologists in our cytology lab assess cells from fine-needle aspirations of the breast and other body sites. Cytologic studies are performed on-site to provide rapid results.