Breast Imaging: What’s Right for you?  According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States, about 245,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year. Roughly, 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in a given year, which makes it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. One reason breast cancer can be so deadly is that it may not be diagnosed until it is advanced. By the time a woman can feel a lump, it tends to be large and may have spread outside the breast. That’s why breast cancer screening is so important. Breast cancer screening can detect cancer in its earliest stage, which often improves outcomes. But when it comes to breast cancer screening, what type of medical imaging scan is best?  Different Options in Breast Imaging Before you can decide what type of imaging scan is best, it’s helpful to understand your options. There are different imaging scans, such as a mammogram, MRI and ultrasound, which may be used to help doctors detect breast cancer. Mammograms are the most frequently used breast cancer screening scans. A mammogram involves the use of radiation to take images of the breast from different angles. Mammograms have been found to reduce the risk of death from breast cancer by about 30 percent in women age 40 to 75. Another imaging scan, which can be used to detect breast cancer is an MRI. An MRI involves the use of radio waves to create pictures of the breast.  An MRI may be recommended for people who have a high risk of breast cancer.  Ultrasound is also used to detect abnormalities in the breast. Ultrasound does not use radiation. Instead, it involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the breast. But ultrasound alone is not usually considered a reliable scan for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stage. Ultrasounds of the breast often produce many false negatives and false positive results. What is 3-d Mammography? A type of digital mammogram, known as 3-D mammography, is also an option for some women. Traditional mammograms create 2-D images of the breast. 3-D mammograms use the same x-ray technology as 2-D mammograms and are performed the same way. The difference between the two mammograms is the angles the images are taken. During a 2-D mammogram, images are taken from the front and the back. But in a 3-D mammogram, pictures of the breast are taken from many different angles, which provides pictures of the tissue in slices. The theory is it may be easier to detect abnormalities using 3-D images. Since 3-D mammograms have only been approved by the FDA since 2011, studies are limited in how effective they are in detecting cancer early and saving lives. How to Choose What Breast Imaging is Best for You   The type of imaging scan, which is recommended may depend on your risk for developing the disease. Mammograms are recommended for women who have a low or average risk of developing breast cancer. The screening is noninvasive and does not require any special prep. Although it’s essential to discuss specific recommendations with your doctor, the American Cancer Society recommends women start getting mammograms by age 40.  Women who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, such as those with a strong family history of the disease or who have tested positive for the BRCA gene may be advised to get an MRI. An MRI is more sensitive in detecting both invasive and noninvasive breast cancers. But there has not been a clear link between MRI breast cancer screening and a decreased death rate from breast cancer. An MRI may also not be an option for all women since there are some restrictions for getting the scan. An ultrasound is usually not recommended as a routine breast screening scan. But it is a useful screening for evaluating breast swelling, a palpable lump or other specific areas of concern found on a mammogram. For example, an ultrasound can distinguish between a solid tumor and a fluid filled cyst. Ultrasounds are usually recommended after an abnormal mammogram.   COPYRIGHT: iRadiologyCare Inc. 2016 - 2021 NOTE: iRadiologyCare Inc. does not claim any accuracy, correctness or completeness of the above information. This information given above is for knowledge purposes only. It should not be construed as a medical advise. Please consult your doctor or medical care specialist for detailed and correct medical advise. iRadiologyCare Inc. will not be liable for any issues arising because of use of the above information.  

Medical imaging scans including PET scans, CT scans and ultrasounds can play an important role in helping your doctor diagnose a medical condition. For example, depending on the type of scan you have, it may detect cancer in its earliest stage, which often improves prognosis. Imaging scans can also diagnose life-threatening conditions, such as aneurysms and blood clots. When you’re faced with needing a medical imaging scan, it’s normal to have concerns over their safety and worry about radiation exposure or possible side effects. Although in most cases, the benefits of the scan outweigh the risks, it may ease your mind to have your questions answered. Below are some common questions and answers regarding imaging scan safety. Do medical imaging scans involve radiation exposure? Some scans including x-rays, CT scans, PET scans and mammograms involve radiation exposure. Ultrasounds and MRI’s do not expose a patient to radiation.   How much radiation am I exposed to during a medical imaging scan? Radiation is measured in millisieverts. Various medical imaging scans expose an individual to different doses of radiation. But the exact dose of radiation may also depend on the size of the body part being examined. Also, the radiation risk to different organs and tissues from imaging scans varies.  It’s also important to understand, you are exposed to trace levels of radiation from everyday sources, such as drinking water, natural gas, cigarette smoke and soil. To put radiation risk into context; experts estimate that the average person is exposed to about 300 millisieverts of radiation from everyday sources each year. A typical chest x-ray exposes a person to about ten millisieverts while a head CT exposes someone to about 200 millisieverts. Is it safe to have a medical imaging scan during pregnancy? Some medical imaging scans that do not involve radiation, such as ultrasounds, are considered safe during pregnancy. Other diagnostic tests including CT scans or x-rays do expose a woman to radiation and may pose a slight risk to a developing baby. But the risk to the fetus also depends on the part of the body being scanned. For example, a head CT is less of a risk than an abdominal CT during pregnancy. Also, in some situations, the risk may be worth the clinical benefit to provide an immediate diagnosis.   Are children more sensitive to radiation than adults? Children are more sensitive to radiation exposure than adults, in part because they are still developing. But most radiology facilities adjust radiation exposure parameters based on a child’s size. It’s also important to remember, that not all medical imaging scans involve radiation. Does contrast used in some medical imaging scans cause side effects? Different types of contrast materials are sometimes used in imaging scans, such as iodine-based and barium contrast. Contrast can improve the visibility of specific tissue, organs and blood vessels, which helps with diagnosis. Contrast is considered safe and most people tolerate it well.  Side effects may include a metallic taste in your mouth, a brief sensation of warmth and nausea. In rare instances, an allergic reaction can develop. Is there such a thing as having too many medical imaging scans? The concerns with radiation exposure is an increased risk of developing cancer later in life. There is not a set limit on how many medical imaging scans a person can have in their lifetime.  Each time a scan is recommended, it’s important to weigh the risks versus the benefits and determine if an alternative scan, which does not involve radiation exposure can be used as effectively.  What is done to reduce radiation exposure during scans? The exact protocols and steps taken to reduce radiation exposure may vary. In general, radiology centers can customize radiation doses according to the body part being scanned, as well as a patient’s age and weight. A lead vest should be worn over the abdomen to prevent any harmful effects to a developing baby. Additionally, pediatric protocols should be used when scanning children.   COPYRIGHT: iRadiologyCare Inc. 2016 - 2021 NOTE: iRadiologyCare Inc. does not claim any accuracy, correctness or completeness of the above information. This information given above is for knowledge purposes only. It should not be construed as a medical advise. Please consult your doctor or medical care specialist for detailed and correct medical advise. iRadiologyCare Inc. will not be liable for any issues arising because of use of the above information.    

Should You Consider Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening? Low-dose CT lung cancer screening is a medical imaging scan used to detect lung cancer before symptoms have appeared. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. One factor that makes this type of cancer so deadly is that it is often diagnosed after it has spread outside the lung. In fact, up to 30 percent of cases of lung cancer are not diagnosed until it has spread beyond the lung. In other instances, early symptoms of lung cancer, such as a cough and wheezing are attributed to smoking or other lung diseases, such as COPD, which results in a delayed diagnosis. Who is at Risk for Lung Cancer? Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer. Statistics indicate about 85 percent of people who develop lung cancer are either former or current smokers. Since smokers are considered at high-risk for developing lung cancer, screening tests have been developed to catch the disease before symptoms appear. The most successful test is CT lung cancer screening. There are a few other screening tests for lung cancer, such as sputum cytology and chest-x-rays, which may be recommended in high-risk individuals. But research has indicated that these two screenings have not decreased deaths from lung cancer.   Lung CT Screening Recommendations The National Cancer Institute sponsored a study to evaluate how effective CT lung cancer screening was. The study found that there was 20 percent fewer deaths from lung cancer among those who underwent a lung cancer CT scan.  The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, along with several other organizations including the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society all recommend CT lung cancer screening for people who are at a high risk of developing lung cancer. Lung CT screening is recommended for people age 55 to 77 who are smokers or quit within the last 15 years. In addition, those who smoked a pack a day for 30 years or more are also considered at high risk and CT screening is recommended.  Other people who are generally considered high risk are those who have a family history of lung cancer or have certain lung diseases. What is Involved in CT Lung Cancer Screening? A low-dose CT lung screening involves several x-ray beams and detectors rotating around the body in a spiral taking images of your lungs. A computer processes the pictures and creates two-dimensional images of your lungs. During a CT lung cancer screening, you’ll be instructed to lie on the exam table. You may be asked to raise your arms over your head. The table will move in the scanner, and you will be asked to hold your breath for about five seconds. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, there is no special preparation for CT lung cancer screening. Benefits and Risks of CT Lung Cancer Screening Similar to many medical procedures, there are risks and benefits of undergoing a CT lung cancer scan. On the plus side, CT lung cancer screening is quick and non-invasive. It can detect nodules in the lung when cancer is at its earliest stage, which increases prognosis. CT lung cancer screening also uses low-dose computer tomography, which means it uses less radiation than a conventional chest CT. Although CT lung cancer screening is considered safe, there are also a few risks to having the scan. In some instances, the screening may result in a false-negative. A false-negative means the scan appears to be normal, but cancer is present. Someone who receives a false-negative screening result may delay seeking additional tests, which delays diagnosis and treatment. The opposite can also happen. False-positive results can occur. A false-positive means the results are abnormal, but no cancer is found. False-positive scan results can lead to additional tests that are unnecessary and invasive. Lastly, not all health insurance companies pay for low-dose CT lung cancer screening. iradiologyCare Inc. can help you locate a radiology center where you can undergo a cost effective scan.   COPYRIGHT: iRadiologyCare Inc. 2016 - 2021 NOTE: iRadiologyCare Inc. does not claim any accuracy, correctness or completeness of the above information. This information given above is for knowledge purposes only. It should not be construed as a medical advise. Please consult your doctor or medical care specialist for detailed and correct medical advise. iRadiologyCare Inc. will not be liable for any issues arising because of use of the above information.  

Preparing Your Child for a Medical Imaging Scan. A medical imaging scan, such as an MRI, PET scan or CT can make anyone a little nervous. But for children, a scan can be especially nerve-wracking. But there are several things you can do to make an imaging scan less scary and more comfortable for your child.  Explaining the Procedure Understanding what is going to happen during a scan can ease fears and decrease apprehension for your child. It’s important for parents to describe the procedure in an age appropriate way. For example, explain to a young child what the machine will look like and how it takes pictures. Let them know that the machine will move and the procedure won’t hurt. Older children may want a little more of an explanation. But regardless of your child’s age, it’s important to prepare your child, so they know what to expect. Depending on the age of your child and where you are having a scan performed, you may want to utilize child life services. Many large medical centers, where scans may be performed, have child life specialists on staff.    Child life specialists provide support to children and their families in a healthcare setting. A child life specialist can be helpful in explaining the procedure to your child, and may give your child a tour of the scanning room before the day of your test. Specialists may also have videos and books to help your child understand what is involved.  Developing a Coping Plan During a Medical Imaging Keep in mind, children takes cues from you. If you’re showing signs of being nervous or fearful about your child’s scan, he or she may pick up on that and become scared. The more relaxed you are, the better it is for your child. Talk to your child about not moving during the scan and help him develop a coping plan before the procedure. For instance, have your child practice how he will lie still during the scan. Talk to him about using techniques to remain still, such as counting and thinking about a favorite game or place he wants to visit. Ways to Help Your Child Relax During the Scan During your child’s medical imaging scan, there are several things that may help your child relax and get through the procedure. For example, consider bringing a comfort item from home, such as a blanket or stuffed animal. Check to see if the scanning facility has movie players. Depending on the type of scan and the facility, your child may be able to watch a video during the procedure. Your child may also be allowed to listen to music through headphones the center can provide. You might be able to go with your child into the scanning room. Facilities have different protocols in place, so check with the scanning facility in advance to determine if parents can be with their child during the test. You may be asked to sign a consent and wear a vest to protect yourself from radiation during the scan. Being with your child may be just what he needs to feel at ease. In some situations, especially if your child is very young and cannot remain still, he may be given IV sedation before the procedure. The medication will help him relax during the scan.  Radiation Safety and Children It’s normal to have concerns about your child being exposed to radiation during a scan. Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults since their bodies are still maturing.  Keep in mind, not all types of medical imaging scans involve radiation. If your pediatrician recommends a scan that uses radiation, consider asking if there are other scan options. But in some cases, the best diagnostic scan may be one that involves radiation. In most cases, the benefits of the scan outweigh the risks. It’s also important to ask the radiology center performing the scan if radiation exposure parameters are adjusted based on a child’s size and weight. Most scanning facilities adjust radiation doses for children.   COPYRIGHT: iRadiologyCare Inc. 2016 - 2021 NOTE: iRadiologyCare Inc. does not claim any accuracy, correctness or completeness of the above information. This information given above is for knowledge purposes only. It should not be construed as a medical advise. Please consult your doctor or medical care specialist for detailed and correct medical advise. iRadiologyCare Inc. will not be liable for any issues arising because of use of the above information.