Los Angeles-Area Abdominal Imaging
City of Hope's® Division of Abdominal Imaging in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology provides expert imaging and analysis of abdominal and pelvic cancer, detecting, staging and monitoring cancers with unparalleled accuracy, precision and insight. The division offers a comprehensive approach to interpreting studies and participates in numerous multidisciplinary tumor boards and research initiatives utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, including high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanners, powerful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and the latest in ultrasound technology.
City of Hope's abdominal imaging team plays a crucial role in detection, diagnosis and treatment planning for cancer and noncancerous conditions affecting the abdomen and pelvis. Our radiologists work closely with world-renowned oncology teams to craft personalized treatment strategies and participate in numerous clinical trials to advance medical knowledge.
Our radiologists are fellowship-trained in abdominal imaging, and many hold national and international recognition, establishing the gold standard with a patient-centric approach and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
What Is Abdominal Imaging?
Abdominal imaging focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the abdomen and pelvis and is critical in diagnosing and staging cancer and assessing treatment response. Our exams are customized using advanced equipment and organ-specific protocols to maximize accuracy. We routinely use 3D imaging, including 3D angiography, 3D surgical planning, tumor volumes and organ volumetrics, among many other uses.
City of Hope's abdominal imaging team is highly experienced in using state-of-the-art imaging technologies, including ultrasound, CT, MRI and image-guided biopsy. Many procedures are minimally invasive or noninvasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
What Sets Our Los Angeles-Area Abdominal Imaging Program Apart?
Our abdominal imaging experts perform and interpret thousands of procedures and scans annually, ensuring that patients across the City of Hope network receive the imaging care they need and when needed. The Department of Diagnostic Radiology is involved in dozens of clinical trials and cancer programs dedicated to developing new treatment strategies and novel approaches to cancer treatment.
Imaging Technologies We Use
Some of the more common procedures and technologies we use for abdominal and general imaging include those listed below.
- Computed tomography (CT) imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool that uses advanced X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body's internal structures. It provides precise, high-resolution images that help in the accurate diagnosis and evaluation of tumors to guide complex surgical procedures. With its ability to capture images of bone, soft tissue and blood vessels in a single breath-hold, CT imaging is essential in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facilities include 64-slice and dual-energy 256-slice channel scanners.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an innovative imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. It is valuable for visualizing internal structures without radiation. Its noninvasive nature and exceptional image quality make MRI a cornerstone of modern diagnostic radiology. Our state-of-the-art facilities include numerous MRI magnets, including 1.5 T and 3.0 T Siemens systems with the latest software tools. We perform whole-body MRI for cancer screening and cancer staging, MR elastography, MR enterography, MR angiography, MRI liver fat and iron quantification, and multiparametric prostate imaging, among other scans.
- Ultrasound and Doppler imaging are vital tools in cancer diagnosis and monitoring, offering real-time, noninvasive visualization of tissues and blood flow. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues, helping detect and evaluate tumors. Doppler imaging, which measures blood flow, is crucial in assessing the vascularization of tumors and guiding treatment decisions. Together, these technologies provide critical insights into tumor behavior, enabling precise and personalized cancer care.
- Fluoroscopy: We perform digital gastrointestinal and genitourinary fluoroscopy at all our locations.
Research at City of Hope
City of Hope has a longstanding commitment to research and understanding the critical role it plays in providing exceptional patient care. Our imaging teams collaborate closely with referring physicians, radiology technologists and our nursing staff, ensuring our research excellence is reflected in our clinical practice and the seamless, high-quality care we deliver to patients.
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Meet Our Abdominal Imaging Faculty
A Southern California native, Dara Ghasemizadeh, D.O., was drawn to City of Hope because of its reputation as one of the best cancer treatment centers in the nation.
Alexander Jung, M.D., is a diagnostic radiologist focusing on specialized imaging procedures, including high contrast ultrasound imaging and full body imaging.
Chandana Lall, M.D., M.B.A., has had a distinguished career in radiology spanning more than 28 years, with a proven track record of excellence in advancing patient care, leading multidisciplinary teams and contributing to the advancement of the field of radiology.
Ngoc N. Le, M.D. is an assistant clinical professor, City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, California
Rizvan Mirza, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor, Division of Diagnostic Radiology.
Pejman Motarjem, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology at City of Hope, Duarte, California.
Adam Rucker, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at City of Hope.
Dr. Sandhu is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology
City of Hope's Jimmie Wong, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor in the department of Diagnostic Radiology.