We require a provider referral to vascular and interventional radiology before scheduling an appointment. Please contact your provider for a referral or visit our website to find a radiologist.
Vascular and Interventional Radiology for Cancer Care
Our minimally invasive methods help us diagnose and provide specialized treatment for a variety of cancers.
Both techniques deliver focused treatment, preserving as much liver tissue as possible.
Tumor transarterial embolization
Arteries deliver nutrients and oxygen to all tissues within the body. Tumors usually have larger or more arteries than surrounding normal tissue.
If a tumor needs to be surgically removed, transarterial embolization may be performed before surgery to help reduce bleeding at surgery.
Percutaneous biopsy
In some cases, doctors need to evaluate a sample of tissue or tumor before determining the most effective treatment course. If this is necessary, interventional radiologists perform a percutaneous biopsy.
During a percutaneous biopsy, interventional radiologists use image-guidance to insert a small needle through the skin into the affected area, such as a liver or kidney tumor. Then, a small sample is collected. Next, pathologists examine the sample to help make a diagnosis.
Tumor marking (fiducial marking)
Tumor marking, also known as fiducial marking, places small metal markers (or dye) in or near a tumor using minimally invasive, image-guided techniques. These markers/dye help pinpoint the tumor’s location with extreme accuracy. This helps your care team identify that same area at a later time, such as when you go in for surgery or radiation.
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Refer a patient
Referring patients to UW Medicine’s vascular and interventional radiology department is simple.
Common radiology terminology
Common terminology used by our vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) team.