Diagnostic Imaging

This X-ray of the breast can detect and diagnose breast cancer. This routine procedure for women can identify any problems with your breasts. Mammograms pose little radiation risk while offering high-quality images. They can show calcifications and masses.

This diagnostic test uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It creates images of organs and structures and is used alongside a mammogram to screen for or diagnose or treat breast cancer. Breast MRIs can evaluate abnormalities, locate breast cancer, check for cancer in women with breast implants or scar tissue, determine the most effective treatment, detect the spread of breast cancer, and evaluate the location and size of breast cancer lesions.

During this test, a portion of breast tissue is removed to check for abnormal or cancerous cells. It can be performed as a fine needle aspiration biopsy, a surgical biopsy, or a core needle biopsy. Breast biopsies can evaluate a palpable lump or mass as well as nipple abnormalities, investigate calcifications or cysts observed during a mammogram, and determine if a breast mass or lump is cancerous.

This test can assess the organs and structures in your pelvis. It uses a transducer that reflects an image of your pelvis onto a computer screen. Pelvic ultrasound options include transabdominal and transvaginal. These ultrasounds can diagnose and treat uterus abnormalities, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroid tumors, masses, cysts, and other tumors, postmenopausal bleeding, pregnancy occurring inside the uterus, and infertility evaluation.

This imaging test is used to measure the mineral content of your bones as well as their density. It can be used to diagnose osteoporosis, weakened bones, and decreased bone mass. A bone densitometry test will determine your bone mineral density and determine your T-score and Z-score, which your doctor will use to determine whether you have osteoporosis or low bone mass.

A PET (Positron emission tomography) scan is used to examine body tissues or track the progress of treatment while a CAT (computed tomography) scan creates detailed images of the inside of the body. A CAT scan is similar to getting a standard X-ray taken – you may need to ingest iodine dye as a contrast material, but you will not need to ingest any radioactive materials or prepare in any way. Patients who get a PET scan, however, must ingest a small amount of radioactive material so that the doctor can properly locate and study the tissues being examined.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to examine organs and internal structures. This kind of test tends to provide different information than X-rays and CAT scans. During an MRI, you will be placed in a machine equipped with a strong magnet. A dye may be used as a contrast material. Images are created and saved on a computer so that your doctor can refer back to them. An MRI is most helpful for locating and diagnosing conditions in the brain, organs, glands, blood vessels, and joints.