Despite advances in surgical techniques and molecular targeted therapy, gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, causing 750,000 deaths annually [1–3]. Tumor recurrence in the peritoneum occurs in 40 %–60 % of advanced GC patients who have undergone radical surgery [4–6], and patients who develop peritoneal recurrence (PR) have a median overall survival (OS) of only 3–9 months [7,8]. Therefore, timely and appropriate preventive interventions to reduce the risk o…
We scan the top radiology sources so you don’t have to.
From AI breakthroughs to imaging trends, we serve up real-time radiology insights.
Free DICOM Viewer: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Best Tools Available
Medical imaging is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Whether you’re a doctor, a student, or a patient, being able to open and review a DICOM file (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) can be extremely helpful. Thankfully, you don’t need to invest in expensive software to do this. A free DICOM viewer can give you full access to medical scans at no cost.
In this article, we’ll explain what DICOM files are, why a viewer is important, and which free tools offer the best features.
What Is a DICOM File?
A DICOM file contains both the medical image (such as an MRI, CT, or X-ray) and patient data embedded in it. Hospitals and clinics use DICOM to ensure standardization and compatibility across imaging equipment and systems.
However, most computers can’t open a DICOM file without special software. That’s where a DICOM viewer comes in.
Why a DICOM Viewer Is Important
A DICOM viewer allows you to:
- Open and review medical images on your own device
- Zoom, rotate, and measure structures inside the image
- Share scans securely with other doctors or get a second opinion
- Review past images to track treatment progress
For professionals, a DICOM viewer is a must-have tool. But even patients can use it to take control of their medical information.
Who Uses DICOM Viewers?
- Radiologists and clinicians use them to read scans.
- Medical students use them to learn anatomy and pathology.
- Patients may use them to view their own scans from a CD or download.
- Researchers often analyze anonymized imaging data for studies.
What to Look for in a Free DICOM Viewer
When choosing a free viewer, consider the following:
- User-friendly interface: You don’t want a steep learning curve.
- Cross-platform support: Make sure it works on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- Basic tools: Zoom, pan, measurements, and window leveling.
- Security: Look for encryption if you’re uploading sensitive data.
- No hidden costs: Truly free, with no feature locked behind a paywall.
Top Free DICOM Viewers (2025)
Here are some reliable and widely used free DICOM viewers:
1. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (Windows)
- Fast, lightweight, and intuitive
- Supports CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound
- Offers multi-planar reconstruction (MPR)
2. Horos (MacOS)
- Open-source and powerful
- Built on OsiriX technology
- Ideal for education and small practices
3. MicroDicom (Windows)
- Simple and clean interface
- Great for basic image viewing and export
4. Weasis (Cross-platform)
- Java-based, suitable for hospitals and research
- Supports PACS integration
- Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
5. PostDICOM (Cloud-Based)
- Web-based platform
- Offers free cloud storage
- No need to install anything locally
Can Patients Use a DICOM Viewer?
Yes. Many patients receive their scans on a CD or USB drive. A free viewer lets them open and understand these images at home. While medical interpretation should be left to professionals, simply seeing your own scans helps you stay informed and involved.
The Role of DICOM in Telemedicine and Second Opinions
Free DICOM viewers have made it easier to get second opinions. You can upload your scans securely to a platform or send the files to an online radiologist. This is especially useful if:
- You’re unsure about your diagnosis
- You’re considering surgery
- You want peace of mind before treatment
News:
-
Role of FAPI PET/CT in cancer of unknown primary (CUP): A systematic review
Patients with a cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are a heterogeneous population in whom the origin of a metastatic malignant disease cannot be determined after standardized diagnostic work-up. CUP accounts for 3–5 % of all malignant neoplasms worldwide [1,2].
-
Scientists Develop Ultra High Res MRI Scanner to Define Microscopic Brain Structures
tim.hodson
Tue, 07/22/2025 – 15:36
July 16, 2025 — A scientific team supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed a new, ultra-high-resolution brain imaging system that can reconstruct microscopic brain structures that are disrupted in neurological and neuropsychiatric brain disorders. The new system is a significant advance over conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners that cannot visualize these tiny but clinically important structures….
-
Researchers: AI Helps Improve Diagnostic Consistency, Reduce False-Positives in Prostate Cancer Detection
tim.hodson
Tue, 07/22/2025 – 15:11
July 16, 2025 — Artificial intelligence can improve diagnostic consistency and reduce false-positives in prostate cancer detection, according to an accepted manuscript published in the American Roentgen Ray Society’s American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR).
Noting enhanced clinical utility for radiologists, “AI may enhance consistency and reduce false-positives in prostate biparametric MRI (bpMRI) interpretation,” clarified AJR corresponding autho… -
MRI shows acupuncture's promise for treating concussion symptoms
Researchers reported that acupuncture reduced postconcussion syndrome symptom severity by 34%.
-
Chest CT for Post-COVID-19 Abnormalities: Nine Takeaways from a Multi-Society Consensus Statement
Developed by 21 thoracic radiologists, the new international consensus statement addresses appropriate indications, scan acquisition and keys to reporting for the use of chest CT imaging in evaluating for residual lung abnormalities from COVID-19.
-
Nicklaus Children's Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute Now Providing Innovative 3D Imaging for Children
tim.hodson
Tue, 07/22/2025 – 11:36
July 22, 2025 — The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital recently opened a the new state-of-the-art Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute in MIami, Florida.
Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute is the only facility in the state of Florida to offer EOSedge imaging with low-dose radiation for pediatric patients. The state-of-the-art EOSedge imaging system creates full-body 3D images in a natural,… -
Post-Cerclage Cervical Length as Predictor of Preterm Birth
Post-cerclage cervical length offers a better predictive value for spontaneous preterm birth than pre-cerclage cervical length in women undergoing cervical cerclage. Medscape News UK
-
Study Reveals Significant Prevalence of Abnormal PET/MRI and Dual-Energy CT Findings with Long Covid
In a prospective study involving nearly 100 patients with Long Covid, 57 percent of patients had PET/MRI abnormalities and 90 percent of the cohort had abnormalities on dual-energy CT scans.
-
Thoracic radiologists publish post-COVID CT imaging recommendations
A group of thoracic radiologists has published a consensus statement on best practices in CT imaging of post-COVID patients.