DICOM 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 in TIFF or JEPG format and are embedded in the dcm file.
DICOM files can contain not only images from, for example, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray and CT devices but also segmentation, 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 dic and dcm. Partially the ending is omitted altogether. If a DICOM compatible program does not detect DICOM files, you can try to change the file extension to dcm or dic.
Most often resolving problems with opening DICOM files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support DICOM files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of DICOM 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 DICOM 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 Adobe Photoshop applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Adobe Photoshop has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening DICOM files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: