Tag Archives: MRA

A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body.

CDI Miami | Friday May 9, 2014

Preventing Bone Cancer with MRI MRA Scan Options

The body is made up of 206 bones (we counted), and bones are made up of mineral calcium and different types of cells. These cells continuously break down and form new bone. Primary bone cancer starts in the bone, while the more common secondary bone cancer spreads to the bone from somewhere else in the body. Radiological tests to find and diagnose bone cancer include X-rays, bone scans, and skeletal surveys.

When a patient experiences pain that could potentially be the result of bone cancer, the first step in diagnosis is usually to X-ray the area near the pain. When enough of the healthy bone in any area is worn away by cancer, the damaged area will show up as a dark spot on the X-ray; these appear like holes in the bones.

A more comprehensive test used to diagnose bone cancer is a type of X-ray called a bone scan. In this test, low doses of radioactive particles are injected intravenously, circulating through the body and selectively picked up by the bones. The substance travels through the bloodstream to the bones and organs. As it wears away, it emits levels of radiation. This radiation is detected by a camera that slowly scans the body. The camera takes pictures of how much radiation collects in the bones. A high concentration of these radioactive particles indicates the presence of cancer cells that are rapidly growing.

In order to diagnose lesions where extra bone has built up, a skeletal survey, a certain form of X-ray, may be used. Normally an X-ray is selective for a particular area of concern, but with a skeletal survey, all areas are imaged with a full body scan PET scan. Patients such as those with multiple myeloma or breast cancer for example undergo these skeletal surveys to detect bone metastases that have not yet developed symptoms observable through other means. Full body CT scan and MRI Miami scan options may also be used for skeletal surveys.

In some cases it may be appropriate to take a bone biopsy for further analysis. Either a needle biopsy or an incisional biopsy may be useful for diagnosing bone cancer. In a needle biopsy, a surgeon makes a small hole in the bone and removes a sample of tissue from the affected area with a needle like instrument. In an incisional biopsy, the surgeon cuts into the affected area, removing a small sample of tissue. The tissue is then sent to a lab for further analysis to determine whether it is cancerous or benign.

Treatment options for bone cancer will depend on the type of bone cancer that is present, how far and how fast it has spread, and the patient’s age and general health. Radiologists at the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, a digital medical imaging center, will discuss all available treatment options. Three main treatment options: surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy will be discussed to find the right course of action per patient.

CDI Miami | Monday August 19, 2013

Affordable Diagnostic Imaging Can Be Life Saving

In health care these days, the emphasis is increasingly being put on prevention rather than cure. It is preferable to detect a medical discrepancy at its earliest stage in order to minimize the treatment that will be needed. Physicians can also ensure that the right maintenance plan is put in place to prevent worsening of the condition as far as is possible. Medical research is consistently coming up with new procedures and tests that can predict the things that could go wrong in a person’s body. Once the physicians know the potential risks that individuals are facing, they can help their patients make the necessary lifestyle changes that will minimize those risks. These changes may include altering diet, performing more exercise, or a specific regime of medication. Before the scientific advancements in diagnostic imaging have enabled physicians to see what is going on inside a person’s body, the human body was something of a mystery. There were certain symptoms that could point to possible problems, but without invasive surgery, it was difficult for physicians to make definite diagnoses. These days, diagnostic imaging gives a physician a detailed map of the patient’s body without the need for investigative operations. Certain procedures have become particularly commonplace, such as a breast ultrasound for detecting breast tumors. Women who have regular scans can often avoid developing full-blown breast cancer and therefore, potentially save their lives. However, those procedures can be expensive, and some people are afraid that they will not be able to afford them.

CDI Miami, the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, one of the top diagnostic facilities in North Miami Beach, announces new financing options to help patients looking for MRI in Miami. With CareCredit, patients have the option of a taking a no interest plan for six months, or choosing extended plans that carry fixed interest rates. Healthcare is not something that can be put off for the future, but the cost of it can be. CareCredit is simply like having a credit card that is specifically designated for healthcare costs. It can also be used for several family members at the same time, so family costs can be consolidated. Interested individuals can get information about CareCredit on CDI website. CDI Miami is one of the most popular choices for people searching for ultrasound in Miami.

About CDI Miami: CDI Miami, the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, is the premier center for procedures such as a full body scan and has locations in South Florida at Aventura, North Miami Beach, and South Dade. People searching for MRA in Miami will also be pleased to find it offered by CDI Miami. MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is used to generate images of arteries to determine whether there is any narrowing or weakening of the arteries. This can detect the possibilities of heart defects and aneurysms, and can thus provide life-saving information.

For more information on services and to book a consultation, call toll free on 800-371-0002 or visit cdimiami.com

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