Advanced imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing cancer, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring progress. At Illinois CancerCare, our Imaging Department provides high quality, on site imaging in a comfortable, convenient setting at many of our clinics – so your care stays coordinated with your oncology team.
Our Imaging Services
We offer CT scans and PET/CT scans using modern technology that produces detailed images with a focus on safety and accuracy.
What is a CT Scan?
CT stands for Computerized Tomography. During a CT Scan, x-rays pass through specific areas of your body at different angles, then a computer translates them into images. CT scanning provides a clear and more detailed result than x-rays used alone. These images can help your doctor diagnose many conditions.
What happens during a CT Scan?
During your CT scan, you’ll lie quietly for 15-25 minutes in a comfortable position. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds several times during the exam.
PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, and PET/CT is the combination of two imaging techniques in one exam – a PET scan and a CT scan.
A PET scan provides unique information about your body on a metabolic or functional level while a CT scan offers anatomic or physical information.
In a PET/CT, the two are blended, allowing our team to see more precisely where there are potential problem areas and develop the best treatment plan for each patient.
An x-ray is an exam that produces images of internal body structures. X-rays use small amounts of ionizing radiation to produce what appears as an internal digital image made up of different densities. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on x-rays, the air in your lungs and bowel shows up as black, and the fat and muscle appear as gray.
Illinois CancerCare relies on licensed Radiologic Technologists to perform general x-rays, including chest, extremity, spine and more. Radiation exposure from an x-ray is low, and the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks.
DEXA is a bone densitometry test that helps our team diagnose osteoporosis – a condition where bones become weak to the point of breaking.
The Pylarify Scan is a special imaging test that helps your physician find and locate prostate cancer cells in the body in order to best manage your care.
The Copper 64 Dotatate Scan is a special imaging test that helps your physician find certain cancers by showing where tumor cells are located in the body in order to best manage your care.
- Imaging exams are by appointment only
- A licensed, experienced technologist will guide you through the entire process
- A radiologist will review your images and share results with your physician
Your care team will explain any necessary preparation ahead of time, including eating or drinking instructions or whether contrast is required.
Your safety and comfort is our priority. We use imaging protocols that:
- Minimize radiation exposure
- Follow strict quality and safety standards
- Account for medical conditions such as kidney disease, or contrast allergies
Please let your care team know if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before your exam.
CT imaging is available at multiple Illinois CancerCare locations, including:
- Peoria
- Bloomington
- Galesburg
- Pekin
Hours vary by location. Your care team will help schedule your imaging at the location most convenient for you.
CT Scheduling Line: 309‑243‑3420
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please call us at: 309-243-3000, Option 3