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What is a CT?

Computed Tomography (CT) also known as a “CAT scan” is a type of imaging where a thin x-ray beam circles completely around the body, collecting a 360-degree view of the area being examined. A computer system takes these views and produces a two-dimensional cross sectional “slice” of the area. Multiple slices are taken to cover the area of the body being scanned.

What is CT “Contrast”?

Some CT scans require what is known as CT contrast. CT contrast consists of two types of contrast. The first one is given intravenously and when used it highlights certain body parts to enable the radiologist to better see any abnormalities. Most patients experience a “warm feeling”, a “flushed sensation” and may describe a metallic taste in their mouth for about two minutes following the injection. The second CT contrast is “barium-based”. It requires the patient to drink flavored contrast. This oral contrast is used in CT’s of the abdomen and the pelvis to outline the intestines for better viewing. As with any medication, side effects can occur. This will be reviewed with you in detail the day of your procedure.

If in the past you have had a reaction to CT and/or MRI contrast please notify the Patient Representative when they call to schedule your scan. Discuss any reactions you have had to CT and/or MRI contrast with the MRI technologist the day of your scan.

Is a CT safe?

The capability of doing x-ray has been around since 1895. The introduction of computed tomography or CT scans, in the1970’s, was ground-breaking. The ability for doctors to see clearly the inner workings of the human body by CT has been linked to greater life expectancy and declining cancer death rates.

Millions of CT exams are done every year in the United States. The x-rays used involve a small dose of radiation. Generally, the small risks of the radiation are outweighed by the potential benefits of the information gained from the study.

What should I expect during the CT?

You will be taken to the CT suite by the CT technologist. The technologist will ask you medical questions concerning why you are having the CT scan. Additionally, answers will be provided for any questions you may have regarding the procedure.

If needed, you will be given a gown or scrubs to wear during the scan. The technologist will then position you on the CT table. The computerized controls for the CT unit are located outside of the CT suite. Although the technologist must be at the controls during the procedure, they will be able to see you, hear you and speak to you throughout the study.

Once the scan begins you must lay very still with no movement. Movement causes the image taken to blur and not be readable by the radiologist.

How long does a CT take?

Depending on the exam that has been ordered, the entire study can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. If there is any movement during the scan then images will need to be repeated which will add time to the scan.

When will my physician get the results of my scan?

When your scan is completed it is then sent to one of the in-house ODC Radiologist. The radiologist will review all pre-study information, study the scan and then provide a written report of their findings. Once the report is complete, an approved copy is sent to your physician. This process can take 24-48 hours. A report may be delayed if we are waiting for any previous images from an outside facility.

What does Board Certification in Radiology mean?

It is not mandatory for a radiologist to become Board Certified, not all of them are.

To obtain Board Certification in Radiology a physician must choose to go through a very comprehensive process of testing in order to demonstrate that they have become proficient with their skills and knowledge of Radiology.

FEMALES: PLEASE CONTACT US AND INFORM THE TECHNOLOGIST THAT WILL BE PERFORMING
YOUR TEST IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR THINK YOU COULD BE PREGNANT.

Why should I consider a CT scan for lung cancer?

In July of 2011, the New England Journal of Medicine published results from a randomized controlled trial for lung cancer screening that included more than 50,000 patients. The study compared CT scans to chest x-rays to screen for lung cancer, in patients aged 55 to 74, who had smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. The end result was: CT scans reduced the number of deaths from lung cancer by 20%.

CT scans can identify small nodules or other harmful abnormalities in your lungs before that abnormality can be seen on a chest x-ray. Early detection of lung cancer can significantly increase the effectiveness of lung cancer treatment.

Who should get screened for lung cancer?

The following are the groups at the highest risk:

• Current smokers
• Former smokers who have quit in the past 15 years
• Anyone between the ages of 55 to 80
• Anyone exposed to asbestos
• Anyone exposed to other occupational hazards like arsenic, beryllium, candmium, chromium, coal, smoke or soot, diesel fumes, nickel or silica
• Anyone who has a history of at least 30 pack-years* of smoking

*Pack-Years: Number of packs smoked per day multiplied by number of years smoked. For example, if you smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for 30 years, this would equate to “30 pack-years of smoking”.

How often should I undergo a CT lung screening?

For high risk patients most healthcare providers recommend an annual CT Screening for lung cancer screening purposes.

Additional Links:

• New England Journal of Medicine article on the NLST
• National Cancer Institute on the NLST
• American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN)
• X-Ray Risk

Women visiting the ODC are afforded a separate, private “enclave” within the larger facility. This aesthetically pleasing retreat offers excellent privacy, gentle care and plush heated robes in order to make your short stay with us as comfortably relaxed and look forward to returning in the future.

For women, medical imaging has become a routine part of life. When we’re young, it can mean prenatal imaging to monitor a pregnancy. As we age, we require yearly mammograms to remain proactive about our breast health. In our 50s and beyond, we routinely monitor our bone density to screen for osteoporosis.

You have a choice as to where to have these tests performed. All things being equal, wouldn’t you rather visit a center that respects your time and values you as a customer?

Tests include digital mammography, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, image-guided breast biopsies, bone densitometry testing and genetic counseling/testing. Our equipment is state-of-the-art, and our radiology interpretation skills are second to none.

FEMALES: PLEASE CONTACT US AND INFORM THE TECHNOLOGIST THAT WILL BE PERFORMING
YOUR TEST IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR THINK YOU COULD BE PREGNANT.

What is 3D Mammography?

3D Mammography, also known as” breast tomosynthesis”, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011. Like regular mammography, a low dose of radiation or x-ray is used to produce images of the breast. With 3D, multiple images of the breast are used to form a three dimensional image versus a regular mammogram, which was two flat images. This 3D image allows for better detection of cysts, tumors or other breast irregularities.

Is 3D Mammography better than the 2D that has been used to do mammography for years?

3D Mammography has been proven to detect 20% – 65% more invasive breast cancer compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 40%. It also reduces the chance of the patient being called back for more images by 41 %. The FDA approved 3D superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone. When scheduling your mammogram, ask if 3D imaging will be done.

Is 3D Mammography safe?

The ODC uses the top of the line unique equipment by Hologic. The Hologic protocol uses a single breast compression per view and performs a 2D and 3D mammogram simultaneously. This assures the radiologist that the breast was in the exact same position when the 2D and 3D tomosynthesis images are done. This results in much greater accuracy in identifying the precise location of the abnormality within the breast. Hologic has always been in the forefront of breast cancer screening. The Hologic 3D is, known as a very safe low dose screening tool.

Many other facilities use a more dated protocol. The breast is compressed to take the 2D images. Once the 2D images are complete the breast is released, the plate is then manually removed from the equipment by the technologist. The technologist then installs the metal 3D plate. The breast is compressed again at this point, for the second time, and the 3D images are taken. This second step takes more time, causes more breast compression for the patient and increases the amount of radiation the patient compared to the Hologic system that is used at the The ODC.

At what age and how often should I have a mammogram?

Although it is proven that breast cancer can happen at any age, only 5% of breast cancers occur in women under 40 years of age. At the ODC we offer mammograms to women beginning at age 40 and then yearly. They can be done at a younger age if the patient has a first degree relative with a history of breast cancer or if they are symptomatic. It is best that you and your physician discuss the benefits as to when mammography should be started.

Know your risk for developing breast cancer:

• A personal history of breast cancer
• A family history of breast cancer, especially in a mother daughter or sister
• History of radiation therapy
• Evidence of a specific genetic risk. Women who carry defects on either the BRCA 1 /BRCA2 genes, are at higher risk for developing breast cancer.

Also, know your breast. If you are 20 years of age or older you should perform monthly breast self-examinations (BSE). It is best to do this exam a day or two after you monthly period has ended. Become familiar with your breast. It is the best way for a woman to notice a change in feel or look of their breast. Remember, early detection is key to significantly increasing the chance of survival.

What preparation is needed?

Do not wear any deodorant the day of your mammogram. If you do, we ask that you wash it off thoroughly prior to your exam. Specks of deodorant can show up on the images and be mistaken for an abnormality.

What should I expect once I am taken to the mammography area?

Once in the mammography suite you will be asked to remove you shirt and bra. Don’t worry, at The ODC you will be given a warm robe to put on during the exam. A screening mammogram consists of two views of each breast, top to bottom and side to side. In order to see through the breast tissue the breast must be compressed. Our technologists are very experienced in positioning the breast and gently applying compression. The compression lasts only a few seconds and then the compression is then released.

How long does a mammogram take?

The actual mammogram takes only about 5-10 minutes.

What is a call back?

In about 10% of the cases done, a question may arise from the reading radiologist. This does not mean you have cancer, it just means that there is an area that the radiologist wants different views on. Most of these turn out to be entirely normal.

When will my physician get the results of my scan?

When your scan is completed it is then sent to one of the in-house ODC Radiologists. The radiologist will review all pre-exam information, study the scan and then provide a written report of their findings. Once the report is complete and approved, a copy is then sent to your physician. This process can take 24-48 hours. A report may be delayed if we are waiting for any previous images from an outside facility.

What does Board Certification in Radiology mean?

It is not mandatory for a radiologist to become Board Certified and not all of them are. To obtain Board Certification in Radiology a physician must pass very rigorous and comprehensive written and oral exams in order to demonstrate that they have become proficient with their skills and knowledge of Radiology.

All ODC Radiologists are Board Certified in Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

How is a breast biopsy done?

At The ODC a breast biopsy can be performed by two different methods.

1. Stereotactic-Guided Breast Biopsy – The stereotactic table is specially designed so that you can lie on your stomach with the breast to be biopsied positioned through a hole in the table. Two digital x-ray images are taken from different angles, allowing the radiologist to precisely localize the area to biopsy. Once the area has been located, the radiologist numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then uses computer guidance for precise needle placement and collection of small tissue samples.
2. Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy – The radiologist uses ultrasound to locate the area that needs to be biopsied. Once the area is found, the radiologist numbs the area with a local anesthetic and uses ultrasound guidance for precise needle placement and collection of small tissue samples.

Both methods are as accurate as a surgical biopsy and are performed on an outpatient basis, taking less than 40 minutes to perform and requires no stitches. The patient can resume normal, non-strenuous activities immediately after the procedure.

The samples of tissue are sent to the pathology lab for analysis. Results are usually available and sent to your healthcare provider within 48 hours.

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a simple, safe and painless diagnostic procedure that bounces high-frequency soundwaves off parts of the body and “captures” the returning “echoes” as images.

Is Ultrasound Safe?

There is no radiation used during an ultrasound. The soundwaves are painless and there are no known harmful effects at the low intensity used by modern diagnostic ultrasound equipment.

What should I expect once I am taken to the Ultrasound room?

Depending on your exam you may be asked to put on a hospital gown. The technician will position you on the table for the best possible images. Warm gel will be applied to the area of interest. A transducer, which is the device that sends and receives the soundwaves, will be guided along the area that the gel was applied by the technologist.
Images will be taken, recorded digitally and sent to the radiologist for reading.

How long does it take?

Allow at least one hour for your exam. This allows for images to be shown to the radiologist following your exam if needed. In some cases the radiologist will also scan the area of interest.

When will my physician get the results of my scan?

When your scan is completed it is then sent to one of the in-house ODC Radiologists. The radiologist will review all pre-exam information, study the scan and then provide a written report of their findings. Once the report is complete and approved, a copy is then sent to your physician. This process can take 24-48 hours. A report may be delayed if we are waiting for any previous images from an outside facility.

What does Board Certification in Radiology mean?

It is not mandatory for a radiologist to become Board Certified and not all of them are. To obtain Board Certification in Radiology a physician must pass very rigorous and comprehensive written and oral exams in order to demonstrate that they have become proficient with their skills and knowledge of Radiology.

All ODC Radiologists are Board Certified in Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

FEMALES: PLEASE CONTACT US AND INFORM THE TECHNOLOGIST THAT WILL BE PERFORMING
YOUR TEST IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR THINK YOU COULD BE PREGNANT.

What is a bone density exam?

A bone density exam or DEXA ( dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) is the most sensitive and specific test to diagnose osteoporosis before a fractured bone occurs. Osteoporosis means “porous bone” and is a debilitating disease. It is a medical condition where the bones become weaker, more porous and therefore they fracture very easily. Osteoporosis is one of the most preventable diseases today.

A bone density measures how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. It is an accurate predictor of your risk of fracture.

At what age should I start having bone density test?

• Women over the age of 65
• Women under the age of 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis
• Women or men with non-traumatic fractures of the wrist, spine or hip
• Women who are deciding on estrogen hormone therapy at menopause
• Patients who are being treated for osteoporosis and need follow­-up

What are the risk factors of having osteoporosis?

• Age – After the age of 30 you begin to lose bone mass.
• Gender – Osteoporosis is four times more likely in women than in men. The fact that women have smaller bones and longer life spans are part of the reason. Men can get osteoporosis as well, it is just less common.
• Family History – if your parents are grandparents have been diagnosed with osteoporosis you are more likely to get it as well.
• Ethnicity– Caucasian and Asian women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than women of other ethnic backgrounds.
• Body Frame – Women and men that have small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age.
• Some Medications – Long term use of oral or injected corticosteroid medication such as prednisone and cortisone can interfere with the bone-rebuilding process.
• Some Medical Conditions – Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Kidney or Liver Disease, Cancer, Lupus, Multiple Myeloma, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Is bone density a safe exam?

The examination uses a small amount of radiation; it is approximately one­tenth of the amount emitted during a chest X-ray. It is considered safe and will not result in any side effects.

What should I expect once I am taken to the bone density area?

The technologist will have you lie down on a padded table. Once the testing starts you will be asked to hold still. A small arm-like device will pass over the area being tested. It will not touch you. Once completed the technician will allow you to sit up and leave the testing area.

How long does it take?

The complete exam takes about 10 – 15 minutes.

When will my physician get the results of my scan?

When your scan is completed it is then sent to one of the in-house ODC Radiologists. The radiologist will review all pre-exam information, study the scan and then provide a written report of their findings. Once the report is complete and approved, a copy is then sent to your physician. This process can take 24-48 hours. A report may be delayed if we are waiting for any previous images from an outside facility.

What does Board Certification in Radiology mean?

It is not mandatory for a radiologist to become Board Certified and not all of them are. To obtain Board Certification in Radiology a physician must pass very rigorous and comprehensive written and oral exams in order to demonstrate that they have become proficient with their skills and knowledge of Radiology.

All ODC Radiologists are Board Certified in Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

FEMALES: PLEASE CONTACT US AND INFORM THE TECHNOLOGIST THAT 15 PERFORMING YOUR TEST IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR ARE BREAST FEEDING. IF AN X-RAY 15 ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, A LEAD APRON CAN BE PLACED OVER THE ABDOMEN AND PELVIS, IN ORDER TO SHIELD THE FETUS FROM EXPOSURE TO THE X-RAYS.

What is an X-ray?

X-rays are historically considered one of the most significant advances in all of medicine. It is a type of electromagnetic wave that is absorbed by different body tissue in varying degrees.

Dense tissue, like bone, absorbs most of the x-ray and show up white on the image. Less dense tissue absorbs less and appears in different shades of gray on the image. X-rays, that pass through air, like in the lungs or colon, are not absorbed at all and appear black on the image.

What is digital X-ray?

Most everyone has switched from taking family and friends photos from film for pictures to digital. Digital x-ray is the x-ray image being captured with digital technology instead of with film. The digital x-rays are then permanently electronically stored. They can be retrieved easily by bringing the image up on a computer screen. Additionally, the images can be put on a CD to take to other physicians that your PCP may request you see.

Is X-ray safe?

Generally, radiation exposure from an e-ray is very low. The medical community agrees that the benefits from these test far outweigh the risk. Advances in electronic technology have helped create better images faster, While using lower doses of radiation.

What should I expect once I am taken to the X-ray area?

An x-ray is quick and painless. Depending on the body part being x-rayed you may be asked to change into a gown and/or remove jewelry. The room may be cool in order to keep the equipment from overheating. You will be asked to lie on a table or to stand next to a portion of the x-ray equipment. Once the technologist positions the area to be x-rayed, you will be asked to hold very still without breathing for a few seconds.

How long does it take?

A single x-ray takes less than a minute to position the body part that needs to be imaged. However, depending on the type of exams and the number of x-rays ordered by you healthcare giver, the entire process may take anywhere from 5-20 minutes.

When will my physician get the results of my scan?

When your scan is completed it is then sent to one of the in-house ODC Radiologists. The radiologist will review all pre-exam information, study the scan and then provide a written report of their findings. Once the report is complete and approved, a copy is then sent to your physician. This process can take 24-48 hours. A report may be delayed if we are waiting for any previous images from an outside facility.

What does Board Certification in Radiology mean?

It is not mandatory for a radiologist to become Board Certified and not all of them are. To obtain Board Certification in Radiology a physician must pass very rigorous and comprehensive written and oral exams in order to demonstrate that they have become proficient with their skills and knowledge of Radiology.

All ODC Radiologists are Board Certified in Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

Ultrasound, or sonography, produces images of the breast by generating high-frequency sound waves. As the sound waves bounce off breast tissues, they create echoes. A computer then translates these echoes into images on a screen, images that can show abnormalities (disease) within the breast. The process is fast, painless and completely free of radiation or harmful side effects.

There are two primary uses for breast ultrasound:

To determine the nature of a breast abnormality

In this case, breast ultrasound is used to help diagnose breast abnormalities detected by a physician during a physical exam (such as a lump or spontaneous clear nipple discharge) and to characterize potential abnormalities seen with a mammogram. With ultrasound, it is possible to determine if the abnormality is a non-cancerous (benign) lump of tissue or a cancerous (malignant) tumor.

Supplemental breast cancer screening

Although mammography is the only screening tool for breast cancer that is known to reduce deaths due to early detection, it does not detect all breast cancers. Some breast lesions and abnormalities are not visible or are difficult to interpret on mammograms, especially in breasts that are dense. Screening ultrasound can be an alternative to breast MRI in some cases, such as women with implants, women who are pregnant, or women who may be unable or unwilling to have a breast MRI performed.

For breast ultrasound, no special preparation is needed.

If you are pregnant, please tell our patient representative.