The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Node-RADS scoring system in predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer(LAGC) before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC), and to determine its prognostic value for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS).
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:
-
Four-dimensional computed tomography in expiratory central airway collapse: Disrupting diagnostic paradigms
Expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) is a pathologic entity that involves the excessive dynamic narrowing of the central airways during the expiratory phase of respiration. ECAC represents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians as patients present with non-specific symptoms such as dyspnea, chronic cough, and recurrent respiratory infections [1]. ECAC comprises of two distinct disorders with similar clinical manifestations but different anatomic locations of collapse: tracheobronchomalacia (…
-
LI-RADS categories and clinicopathological features predict recurrence-free survival in patients with radical resected hepatocellular carcinoma
To assess the value of LI-RADS categories and clinicopathological characteristics in predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) after radical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
-
Association between MR-derived oxygen extraction fraction and neurological improvement at 24–72 h after successful reperfusion
Oxygen Extraction Fraction (OEF) reflects metabolic changes in cerebral tissue resulting from ischemia and serves as a biomarker of tissue viability in hyperacute stroke. This study evaluated the association between infarct OEF and neurological improvement in ischemic stroke patients following successful endovascular reperfusion therapy, defined by the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score.Infarct OEF index values were extracted from OEF maps using manually delineated infarc…
-
Lister’s tubercle revisited: Anatomical variants and tendon relationships on wrist MRI
Lister’s tubercle (LT) is a palpable bony prominence on the distal radius and is in close proximity to the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. Despite its clinical relevance, detailed knowledge regarding its morphological variations, anatomical relationships, and developmental aspects remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the morphological variants of LT and its anatomical relationships with EPL using wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to propose a novel classification system …
-
Interchangeable measure of pulmonary regurgitation in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: Comparison between serial cardiac CT and MRI
To identify an interchangeable pulmonary regurgitant measure in repaired tetralogy of Fallot by comparing pulmonary regurgitant volume and fraction between serial cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
-
Predicting pacemaker dependency after transcatheter aortic valve Replacement: Analysis of ECG, Clinical, and CT-imaging parameters
Severe aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease in the aging population of the developed world [1]. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure that has been established as safe and effective for patients across high, intermediate, and low surgical risk categories [2]. Compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), TAVR is associated with shorter hospital stays and lower complication rates, contributing to a steady increase in TAVR procedures…
-
Diagnostic performance of DWI and ADC parameter in differentiating brain abscess from malignant ring-enhancing brain lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ring-enhancing brain lesions (REBL) represent a significant portion of a neuroradiologist’s daily practice, encompassing both benign and malignant lesions of various origins. REBL encompasses brain abscesses (BA), as well as primary and secondary brain cancers, predominantly metastases and glioblastomas [1]. BA exhibits a prevalence of 0.3–1.3 per ten thousand individuals annually, with a significant incidence of 8 % in underdeveloped nations. BA exhibits a one-year mortality rate of 21 %. This …