Contrast-enhanced MRI is an MRI scan performed after an IV contrast agent is given to help certain tissues show up more clearly. It is commonly used in cancer care to detect tumors, better define tumor boundaries, and evaluate whether disease has spread. It can also help clinicians distinguish treatment-related changes from active cancer in some situations. It is used across many body areas, including the brain, breast, liver, pelvis, and spine.

Contrast-enhanced CT is a computed tomography (CT) scan performed after giving a contrast material to improve image clarity. It helps radiologists see organs, blood vessels, and many tumors more distinctly than on a non-contrast CT. In oncology, it is commonly used for detecting cancer, staging disease, and checking response to treatment. Contrast is often iodine-based and given through a vein, and sometimes also by mouth depending on the body area.

MRI is an imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use ionizing radiation (the type used in X-rays and CT scans). MRI is commonly used in oncology to evaluate tumors, guide treatment planning, and monitor response to therapy. It is also used across many non-cancer conditions of the brain, spine, joints, abdomen, and pelvis.

A CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. It can show organs, bones, blood vessels, and many tumors more clearly than a standard X-ray. CT scan is commonly used in emergency care and routine medical workups, and it is widely used across cancer care. In oncology, it often supports diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up.

FDG PET is an imaging test that shows how tissues use glucose (sugar). It uses a small amount of a radioactive glucose-like tracer called FDG. FDG PET is commonly used in cancer care to look for active tumor sites in the body. It is often performed as part of a combined scan such as PET/CT or PET/MRI.

PET-CT is an imaging test that combines two scans in one session. It shows both body structures (CT) and tissue activity (PET). In oncology, it is commonly used to help find cancer, map its extent, and assess response to treatment. It is also used in some non-cancer conditions, but cancer care is one of its most frequent applications.

Neck dissection is an operation to remove lymph nodes from the neck. It is most commonly used in head and neck cancers to check for or treat cancer spread. It can also help determine cancer stage and guide follow-up treatment. The tissue removed is examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

Axillary dissection is a surgery to remove lymph nodes from the armpit area (the axilla). It is most commonly used in breast cancer care to assess or treat cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes. It may also be used in selected cases of melanoma or other cancers that drain to axillary nodes. The information from removed nodes helps guide staging and treatment planning.

Lymph node dissection is surgery to remove lymph nodes from a specific area of the body. It is commonly used in cancer care to check whether cancer has spread and to help plan treatment. It may also be used to control cancer in lymph nodes or to relieve symptoms in select cases. The removed nodes are examined by a pathologist under a microscope.

SLNB stands for sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is a surgical procedure used to check whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. It focuses on the “sentinel” node(s), meaning the first lymph node(s) most likely to receive cancer cells from a tumor. It is commonly used in cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma, and in selected other solid tumors.