DIC files are image files in the so-called DICOM format. The DICOM format (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is an open standard for the exchange of information in medicine. DICOM images are lossy or lossless stored in TIFF or JEPG format and embedded in the DIC file.
The files may include, in addition to images from, for example, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray and CT devices, also segmentations, patient data, findings and image registrations. Also 3D data is possible. At the same time, the DICOM standard also represents the protocol standard that is implemented in almost every medical device for imaging and image processing procedures.
In addition, DICOM forms the basis for the PACS digital image archiving system in hospitals and clinics (Picture Archiving and Communication System). Other, often used extensions for dicom files are dcm and dicom. Partially the ending is omitted altogether. If a DICOM compatible program does not detect DIC files, you can try to change the file extension to dcm or dicom.
Most often resolving problems with opening DIC files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DIC files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DIC files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate DIC files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Microsoft Word applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Microsoft Word has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening DIC files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: