Services Offered
Screenings
| Mammography Cardiac Calcium Scoring Lung Cancer Screenings |
Colon Cancer Screenings Whole Body Scans |
Mammography:
Mammography is a specific type of low-dose x-ray system utilizing high contrast, high-resolution film for imaging of the breasts. It is performed to detect changes or abnormal growths in the breast and will provide a baseline reference for future comparison. Mammograms are used for screening or routine purposes and for diagnostic purposes when a lump has been detected, there is a personal history of breast cancer of if suspicious symptoms are present. Mammograms, along with monthly breast self-exams (BSE) are tools to assist in detection of breast cancer.
Mammography plays a critical role in early detection of breast cancer and can depict changes in the breast up to two years prior to detect of lump by touch. Mammography improves a physician's ability to detect tumors. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that mammography can detect 85-90 percent of breast cancers in women over 50.Guidelines from the American Medical Associate (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend annual mammograms for women 40 and older. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who are increased risk due to genetic history of breast cancer, or who have had breast cancer, may need mammograms at an early age. Be sure to contact your physician if you have a question regarding when you should schedule a mammogram.
Do not schedule a mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender and it is best to schedule an exam one week following your period. Inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
The mammography equipment is used exclusively for x-ray exams of the breast. Attached to the x-ray unit is a device that holds, compresses and positions the breast so that images can be obtained from different angles. There may be slight discomfort during the 3-5 second period of compression--compression is important in obtaining the clearest image possible with the least amount of radiation. Two to three views per breast are required for screening mammograms.
Mammogram interpretations can be difficult because a normal breast appears differently for each woman. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or upper body on the day of the mammogram. These can distort images and appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots. It is important to obtain prior mammograms for comparison purposes. Make sure that the technologist performing the exam is aware of any symptoms or problems.
Cardiac Calcium Scoring:
This test detects the amount of calcification present in the coronary arteries which allows an accurate prediction of the likelihood of narrowing of coronary arteries. Calcium is easily detected by CT scanning. The test provides a Coronary Artery Calcification Score based on the amount of calcification present. The scan is recommended for middle aged adults 35-70, with one or more risk factor including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, obesity, smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
Lung Cancer Screening:
Low dose CT scans can detect small nodules and the early stages of lung cancer. Since lungs tend to have non-malignant nodules, the test may be recommended to be repeated to study the development of nodules over time. Spotting lung cancer early in its development is critical to controlling the cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening:
Low dose CT scans can detect nodules and the early stages of colon cancer. Spotting colon cancer early in its development is critical to controlling the cancer.
Full Body Screening:
A full body CT scan provides coronary artery scoring and comprehensive screening of the abdomen, lung, pelvis and bone density to detect coronary artery disease, cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases.