BONE
DENSITOMETRY
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Bone Densitometry measures the strength of bones by testing how dense they are. During the scan, fully clothed patients lie down and spend only minutes being tested. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thinner and brittle. It is the cause of 1.5 million fractures each year. One in three women over 50 has osteoporosis. One in eight men will have an osteoporosis related fracture.
The following centers offer this service: Bourne, MA; Norwell, MA; South Dennis, MA; Columbia, SC |
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| CT |
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CT Scans produce a series of highly detailed cross-sectional diagnostic images that allow physicians to look at anatomy deep inside the body. This exam has replaced the need for exploratory surgery in most cases. Certain CT exams require the patient to drink a liquid contrast prior to the exam. Some tests require the injection of contrast media to clarify certain structures and blood vessels. Certain blood tests could be required prior to the exam to determine if the contrast media can be excreted effectively through the kidneys.
The following centers offer this service: Carterville, IL; Mt. Vernon, IL; Stoneham, MA; Columbia, SC; Duncan, SC; Florence, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC |
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DEDICATED
BREAST
MRI |
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The Aurora Breast MRI System is ideal for a wide range of indications in breast disease, including:
- Detecting cancer in higher risk women, especially those with dense breast tissue or for whom mammography is technically limited due to anatomic factors, such as surgical alteration or implants.
- Determining the extent of cancer for better treatment planning.
- Evaluating patients to determine if there are positive surgical margins indicating residual cancer.
- Monitoring cancer response in patients being given chemotherapy.
- Evaluating breast implant integrity.
The following centers offer this service: Bourne, MA |
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DIGITAL
MAMMOGRAPHY |
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Digital mammography uses revolutionary direct capture technology to convert x-ray energy into digital data. Unlike film (analog), the digital data can be manipulated by computer software to maximize the interpreting radiologist’s ability to see any abnormalities.
A recent published study called DMIST (Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial) involving fifty thousand women showed the digital mammography to be superior to analog for the following three groups:
- Women with dense breasts
- Women under fifty years old
- Women who are peri-menopausal
The following centers offer this service: Bourne, MA; Norwell, MA; South Dennis, MA |
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| FLUOROSCOPY |
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A form of diagnostic radiology that allows moving body structures to be examined via x-ray through the use of a fluoroscope and a contrast agent. The image is viewed on a monitor as a kind of moving x-ray. Exams include barium swallow, upper GI series, small bowel series, barium enema, myleogram, and arthrogram.
The following centers offer this service: Mt. Vernon, IL; Columbia, SC
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| X-RAY |
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X-ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures with the body for symptoms of disease or injury. They are a form of radiation that can penetrate the body and produce an image on an x-ray film.
The following centers offer this service: Carterville, IL; Mt. Vernon, IL; Columbia, SC; Duncan, SC; Florence, SC
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MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) |
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MRI uses a large magnet which emits radio waves and then a computer collects and processes images of soft tissues within the body. It involves no x-rays nor radiation and there is absolutely no physical sensation or discomfort from the imaging process. Patients are asked to lie on a table and remain still for the test. The system makes a repetitive tapping and humming sound as it creates the images. Earplugs and/or music are provided for patient comfort, and the exam can last from 30-60 minutes.
Open MRIs may be more appropriate for some patients, such as true claustrophobics, those with a larger body or who have conditions that may result in painful positioning and those involved in movement studies.
The following centers offer this service: Mt. Vernon, IL; Columbia, SC; Duncan, SC; Florence, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC
High field MRIs are indicated for central nervous system and vascular studies - particularly contrast enhanced MRA studies, abdominal work that requires the patient to hold their breath, fat saturation techniques, certain cancer studies and any study that requires high resolution.
The following centers offer this service: Carterville, IL; Mt. Vernon, IL; Stoneham, MA |
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NUCLEAR
MEDICINE |
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Nuclear medicine is a diagnostic imaging technique that produces images revealing the actual functions of the body as well as organ scans such as brain, heart, lung, liver, and bone scans. Nuclear medicine exposes patients to about the same amount of radiation as a common x-ray. Only tiny amounts of short-lived nuclear isotopes are used.
The following centers offer this service: Florence, SC |
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| PET |
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Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases. PET scans are used most often to detect cancer and to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer.
The following centers offer this service: Carterville, IL |
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STEREOTACTIC
BIOPSIES |
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During a stereotactic biopsy, the breast biopsy path is imaged from two slightly angled directions. Several stereotactic pairs of x-ray images are made. Small samples of tissue are then removed from the breast using a hollow needle that is precisely guided by the radiologist to the correct location via x-ray imaging and computer coordinates.
The following centers offer this service: Bourne, MA |
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| ULTRASOUND |
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Ultrasound uses reflective sound waves to measure blood flow and to study characteristics of internal organs and tissue, such as gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid, ovaries and breasts. There is no radiation involved. A transducer (a hand held instrument which resembles a microphone) produces and receives sound waves that are reflected off internal organs and structures to create images. The sound waves used cannot be felt or heard, so there is no discomfort.
The following centers offer this service: Mt. Vernon, IL; Bourne, MA; Norwell, MA; Columbia, SC; Duncan, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC |
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