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What is mammography?
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Who should have a mammogram? |
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Will my current imaging examination be compared to earlier examinations?
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What is the difference between a mammography screening examination and a diagnostic mammogram? |
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What is the difference between CT scan and a MRI?
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Will I need an injection of dye when I have my CT or MRI examination? |
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What is the difference between conventional and open MRI?
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Why does my whole body go into the scanner if you are only scanning my head? |
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What is centralized scheduling?
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Are all of your physicians board-certified? |
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What is mammography?
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Mammography (mammogram) is an x-ray exam of the breast. Most mammography is done as a baseline or screening exam. This exam is useful in diagnosis of breast disease and in detection of cancer. Most breast disease is not malignant or cancerous. If cancer is present, finding it early improves your chances of being treated successfully. If you or your doctor have detected the presence of a lump in your breast, mammography may aid in detecting other lumps or a lump in the other breast which cannot be felt yet. Mammography is the most accurate method currently available to detect breast disease when no symptoms exist.
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Who should have a mammogram?
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Mammography screening is crucial to the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends that women begin annual screening mammography at age 40. An x-ray technique that photographs the inside of the breast, mammography detects lumps that are often too small or too deep to feel. The earlier cancer is detected, the better a woman's chances are for a favorable outcome.
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Will my current imaging examination be compared to earlier examinations?
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Yes. Your examination will be compared with your previous studies. If you have had prior tests at another facility, we will retrieve these studies for comparison prior to your examination date. If you are in possession of any earlier radiographic examinations, please bring them with you at the time of your visit.
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What is the difference between a mammography screening examination and a diagnostic mammogram?
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A screening is an annual examination that is a check -up when a patient is not having any problems. A diagnostic mammogram, however, is usually ordered and performed when a patient has a lump, diagnosed with breast cancer within 5 years, is having pain or nipple discharge, etc.
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What is the difference between CT scan and a MRI?
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Computed Tomography (CT) uses x-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the body part being examined. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a high field strength magnet and radio waves to generate a cross-sectional image.
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Will I need an injection of dye when I have my CT or MRI examination?
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Depending on the study your physician has ordered, it may be necessary for you to receive an intravenous contrast injection. For CT, the contrast material is iodine based while a gadolinium based chelate is used as the contrast agent in MRI scans. While generally safe and effective, the iodinated contrast agents rarely can cause reactions in certain individuals with a history of allergies, asthma, renal disease, heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions. Our radiologists and staff technologists will screen you for these conditions prior to your injection.
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What is the difference between conventional and open MRI?
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Historically, the main difference between conventional and open MRI has been in magnetic field strength, overall design and the time it takes to acquire images. This simply means that it used to take longer to obtain high quality images on an open MRI system than on a conventional MRI system. However, the technology gap between conventional and open MRI systems has narrowed significantly with the introduction of high-field open MRI systems. Technology aside, claustrophobic patients may find our high-field open MRI more comfortable. If you have concerns regarding claustrophobia please alert our schedulers when you call to make your arrangements and we will be happy to schedule your procedure on our High Field Open MRI. Our new 1.2 T High Field Open MRI provides the imaging quality of a traditional MRI unit with the comfort of an open MRI, even accommodating patients weighing as much as 500 pounds. Regardless of whether you choose to have your MRI procedure performed on a conventional or Open MRI system, you can rest assured that the images we obtain from either system will be of the same high quality that DIS has always provided its patients and referring physicians.
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Why does my whole body go into the scanner if you are only scanning my head?
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In order to image a specific body part, that body part has to be in what we call isocenter, or the center of the magnet. Therefore, if we are scanning your head, that is the part that has to be in the center of the magnet. Here at Diagnostic Imaging Services, we have a specialized high field scanner that has a short bore magnet. The depth of this magnet is much shorter than conventional high field scanners. If you are having a scan of your lower back, pelvis or any part of your lower extremities, then your head will not be in the scanner.
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What is centralized scheduling?
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By calling one convenient phone number, (504) 883-5999 both patients and physicians’ offices may schedule an appointment for any exam at any of our locations. This allows us to give patients the first available appointment at any location or the location of their choice, instantaneously. DIS also distributes, for our referring physicians, Schedule by Fax pads. The physician’s office simply fills out the form and faxes it to our centralized scheduling office. If you work for a physician’s office and would like to request Schedule by Fax pads, please call our Physician representative at 504.459.3210.
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Are all of your physicians board-certified?
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All of our radiologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology. In addition many of the radiologists have completed fellowships and achieved additional certification in imaging subspecialties.
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