Tag Archives: center for diagnostic imaging Miami

CDI Miami | Wednesday October 6, 2021

What to expect from breast MRI?

What to expect from breast MRI

 

MRI is a diagnostic exam at the center for diagnostic imaging miami which is used to detect abnormalities in breasts including breast cancer. It uses radio waves and magnetic waves to produce detailed images of body organs on a computer screen. However, Breast MRI is not a substitute for mammography or ultrasound, instead, it helps in a thorough analysis of the breasts along with other diagnostic tools.
 
Why it’s performed
 
Screening high-risk patients
 
Breast MRI is a potent tool for screening high-risk patients. People with a genetic history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer are high-risk patients and they need to be screened from time to time to detect the disease at an early stage. If you are not sure whether you come under the high-risk category or not, your physician might help you in the evaluation.
 
Determining the extent of cancer
 
Breast MRI can clearly show the extent to which cancer has spread; it is used after the diagnosis to get a clear picture of tissues affected by the disease.
 
Examining breast implants
 
Breast MRI helps to find any ruptures and leaks in the breast implants. The sensitivity of mammography to detect cancer does decrease with implant augmented breasts, but it is not the case with MRI, MRI sensitivity has no effect whether the breasts are with implants or without implants.
 
How to prepare
 
Schedule your MRI test at the beginning of your menstrual cycle
 
It is important to schedule your MRI around 7 to 14 days of your cycle. The first day of bleeding will be considered day 1 of your cycle.
 
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant
 
It is paramount to tell your doctor you’re pregnant because a contrast MRI is not recommended for pregnant women.
 
Let your doctor know about any allergies
 
Never forget to tell your doctor about any allergies you might have. A colored contrast MRI is done by injecting a dye to your vein, which makes the images easy to interpret.
 
Tell your doctor about kidney problems
 
If you are facing any kidney problems like stones, do tell your doctor. The contrast dye used for MRI can cause serious complications for the people suffering from kidney problems.
 
Refrain from wearing anything metallic during your MRI
 
The radiologist will ask you to remove any metallic items from your clothing, including belts, bobby pins, necklaces, and watches.
 
How much time does it take
 
An MRI at the diagnostic center for women Miami will take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Images are seen at the screen, which is then interpreted by an expert radiologist.

CDI Miami | Wednesday October 23, 2019

How 3-D Mammogram Helps In Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

How 3-D Mammogram Helps In Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

A mammogram plays a significant role in detecting breast cancer early. 2 D mammograms can give false results which cause anxiety and unnecessary suffering to the patient until a biopsy is done. 2 D mammogram cannot help to see a clear picture in women with dense breasts.

Early detection of breast cancer can save the patient from radiation and chemotherapy, early detection is the key and 3-D makes it possible. Women who have more fibroglandular than fatty tissue in their breast are considered to have denser breasts. Nearly half of women have denser breasts. 2-D mammograms get a picture of top and side of the breast only but a 3-D mammogram Miami gets several pictures to get the exact view and detect what is wrong.

Mammography is an X-ray technique which is used to analyze the density of the breast tissues.

Who should go for 3-D Mammography?

Anybody who is in need of mammography should ask for 3-d mammogram instead of the conventional 2-D mammogram. Mammograms are not only advised to women, but physicians also refer males to get mammograms when they see any abnormality in the chest of a male.

If you feel any lump in your breast, then you should go for 3-D mammography.

How mammography is performed?

During mammography you are asked to remove your clothing from the waist above. You will be asked to remove metal jewelry or any piece of clothing which has metal on it. During a mammogram, breasts are placed against a mammogram machine; compression is applied with the help of two plates attached to the mammogram machine to get a clear picture of the breast.

If you have denser breasts the technician will take more images so that a radiologist can interpret them without any trouble. Mammography takes about twenty minutes and your breasts are compressed with the help of plates which are attached to the machine, just for some seconds.

Mammography is a painless procedure but you might feel discomfort for the time your breasts are compressed. If you feel sharp pain, tell the technician.

Things that you should tell your physician before a mammogram

  • Tell your physician if you had any breast surgeries in the past.
  • Tell your physician if you have experienced any lumps in the breast or anything abnormal.
  • Tell your physician if you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

When to expect the results?

You can expect the results the next day. If your doctor suspects something abnormal, he will advise biopsy to get to know what is wrong. It is important to mention that 95 percent of the biopsies come out as negative. So, if you have a lump in your breast and are advised a biopsy, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Conclusion

3-D mammography is an imaging tool which helps in the early detection of cancer and helps to detect other abnormalities in the breast tissues. Early detection can help save lives. It is a very safe procedure and the radiation exposure to the breast is very low in mammography. Patients over 40 are advised to get a yearly screening at the center for diagnostic imaging Miami.

CDI Miami | Wednesday October 16, 2019

An Overview Of Full Body Computed Tomography (CT) Scan And Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

An Overview Of Full Body Computed Tomography (CT) Scan And Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

 

In Computed Tomography (CT) scan multiple X-rays are combined to create cross-sectional images with the use of a computer system. CTA uses CT scan along with an injection of contrast material which helps to see blood vessels clearly. CT scan and CTA imaging are outpatient procedures and do not require more than 60 minutes. CT scan Miami helps to understand the overlying conditions of many diseases. CT scans are very good at showing soft tissue, bone and blood vessels.

What do the Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography Angiography show?

  • Blood clots
  • Brain damage after an injury
  • Brain tumor
  • Ruptured aneurysms
  • Narrowing of the spinal canal
  • Herniated discs

Who performs the test?

An expert radiologist is responsible to perform CT and CTA scan.

Are there any risks associated with the test?

The radiation used in CT and CTA is minimal so that it doesn’t affect the body. After the scan is over, no radiation stays in your body.
However, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction from the contrast dye. Always tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to certain things, you’ll be provided with medication to lessen any effects.

 

If the contrast material leaks around IV site, there is a possibility of irritating blood vessels under the skin. If you see IV leaking or experience immense pain, tell your radiologist right away.
If you are suffering from kidney problems, contrast material may damage your kidneys, it is important to tell your physician if you are suffering from kidney problems.

 

Breastfeeding moms are advised to wait for 24 hours after the test to nurse the baby.
If you are pregnant, do tell your healthcare provider before the test.
If you are suffering from any other ailment, notify your physician.

How to prepare for CT and CTA

  • Wear comfortable clothing for the test
  • Tell your physician if you are suffering from any allergies
  • If you are having the scan without contrast, you can drink and eat as you like. However, if you are advised the contrast scan, it is advisable to stop eating three hours before the scan. If you are on any prescribed medicines, you can take them as advised.
  • Patients suffering from diabetes should eat light three hours prior to the scan. The patient might be asked to discontinue diabetes medication for 48 hours after the exam.

Conclusion

CT and CTA is an important test performed at the center for diagnostic imaging Miami. The test can help to find the ailment and helps the physician to develop a treatment plan.

CDI Miami | Tuesday June 18, 2019

Role Of Digital Mammography To Detect Abnormalities At An Early Stage

Role Of Digital Mammography To Detect Abnormalities At An Early StageMammography has become a crucial tool in detecting any breast abnormalities. Mammogram Miami is a vital tool in detecting breast cancer. There are two types of mammograms- analog mammogram and digital mammogram. Both of these techniques use X-Ray to get the image; the only difference is in an analog mammogram, the images are printed on a film while in a digital mammogram the images are directly viewed and stored in a computer system.

Digital Mammography is especially beneficial for women with dense breasts, as in analog mammography it is difficult to differentiate between tumors and fibro cysts as both appear white on an analog mammogram. But in a digital mammogram, a radiologist can change the contrast of the images and can highlight the areas of concern. Another benefit of digital mammography is that images can be zoomed in on a computer screen, helping the radiologist to analyze the condition in a better way.

Who should go for mammography?

Mammography is advised to both men and women, whenever there are any chest abnormalities. If someone develops a lump in the chest or breast, they are advised mammography to see if the lump is cancerous or not. Not all lumps are cancerous, some are benign and they are not required to be taken out of the body.

Mammography is advised to women when they have constant and sharp pain in their breasts.

How mammography is performed?

A patient is asked to remove the clothing from the waist above. Breast is compressed against the mammography machine and two plates attached to the machine exert pressure on the breast to compress them and get clear images. The compression is applied just for a few seconds; mammography is not a painful exam, however, if you feel uncomfortable, you should tell your technician.

It is important to tell your physician if you had any breast surgery in the past. Having implants don’t affect the results of a mammography exam.

Mammography typically takes less than 20 minutes. The patient gets the result the next day. If the physician finds something suspicious, he will advise the patient to go for a biopsy.

There is nothing to be afraid of if the doctor advises a biopsy; a biopsy is the only way to tell if a lump is cancerous or not. It is important to note that 95 percent of all biopsies come out as negative. Early screening at the center for diagnostic imaging Miami is essential to detect various ailments at an early stage.

CDI Miami | Wednesday May 1, 2019

Ultrasound- A Noninvasive And Radiation-Free Imaging Test To Evaluate Internal Organs

Ultrasound- A Noninvasive And Radiation-Free Imaging Test To Evaluate Internal Organs

Ultrasound is an imaging tool which is used to get the pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound is a painless procedure which is safe to perform. It is also known as Sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the internal organs. Ultrasound imaging at the center for diagnostic imaging Miami involves a probe, which is known as a transducer and a gel which is directly placed on the skin, the gel is moved in different directions with the help of the transducer and images are obtained on the computer screen. Unlike X-rays, It doesn’t use ionizing rays which means there is no radiation exposure to the patient.

It is a noninvasive procedure which helps to evaluate the blood flow as well as the movement of the internal organs.

With the advancement in technology, 3-D ultrasound, and Doppler ultrasound are also available.

Through 3-D ultrasound, 3-D images can be obtained which helps to evaluate the situation better and helps the physician to plan an optimum treatment plan. It provides a better picture to see blood flow through various veins.

Why Do Doctors Advise Ultrasound?

It is advised to patients who complain about

  • Pain in the abdomen area
  • To check for swelling in internal organs
  • To check for a possible infection in internal organs
  • To check the growth of a fetus

How Is Ultrasound Performed?

If it is pelvic ultrasound, the patient is asked to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water and is asked to not urinate before the procedure. To project and receive the sound wave and their echoes, a transducer is used. The gel is used on the part which needs to be examined so that sound waves do not get distorted.

The quality of the image depends upon various factors; like

  • How easily sound waves are able to penetrate
  • It is difficult to penetrate through the bones
  • Presence of gas in the organ which is under detection affects the quality of the image
  • A poor technician can alter the results due to his inefficiency of using the equipment.

Conclusion

The test plays a vital role in detecting various ailments in the body. It does not emit ionizing rays, hence is used to monitor the growth of the fetus. Imaging center Miami uses well-versed technicians and has world-class facilities under one roof.

CDI Miami | Wednesday April 17, 2019

How To Prepare For An Ultrasound?

How To Prepare For An Ultrasound

 

Ultrasound is an imaging technique; it uses sound waves higher than the normal human audible range to get pictures of internal organs of the body. Ultrasounds are safe; there is no use of radiation instead high-frequency sound waves are used which goes in the body and echoes back. It is used to see liver, heart, kidney, abdomen area, ultrasound is beneficial to see the growth of the fetus and it doesn’t harm the fetus.
 
Ultrasound at diagnostic medical imaging Miami is a beneficial tool to detect swelling and infection in the internal parts of the body. Ultrasound waves have the ability to pass through fluids and soft tissues but the bounce back on denser surfaces, e.g. when having an ultrasound of kidneys, they bounce back when they will get in touch with kidney stones.
 
During this, a transducer, which is a handheld device receives the echoes and sends them to the computer where the images can be seen. Different transducers are used on different organs to get a clear picture of the organ.
 
Sound waves of 2-18 MHz are used.
 
How ultrasounds capture images?
 
High-frequency sound waves are used to get a picture of internal body parts.
 
It travels through gallbladder and will only echoes back if it will hit a gallbladder stone.
 
If you are having an ultrasound of the heart then it will bounce back if it hits a valve.
 
Denser the object, more will ultrasound bounce back.
 
Things to keep in mind before going for an ultrasound
 
Mostly ultrasounds do not require any advanced preparation but there are some exceptions.
 
If you are having an ultrasound of abdomen then it is advised to not eat or drink anything eight hours before the exam. Eating something will contract the stomach and creates gas which makes it hard to get a picture of the internal organs. For children, it is advised to not drink or something four hours before the exam. If you take insulin, then you can take it as you normally do.
 
If you are having Pelvic ultrasound then you can eat normally. You will be asked to drink 4-5 glasses of water one hour before the exam and you are required to not empty your bladder before the exam.
 
For bladder ultrasound, you will be asked to drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to the exam.
 
Before a transvaginal ultrasound, you are required to drink a significant amount of liquid so that you arrive with a full bladder for the exam.
 
Conclusion
 
It is a noninvasive exam which is used to detect various diseases in the internal organs of the body. Center for diagnostic imaging Miami advises to keeping above points in mind while arriving for an ultrasound. The sonographer is responsible to take the images but they are interpreted by a radiologist or a physician. It generally takes not more than 30 minutes. If you are experiencing any pain or swelling or a lump it is advised to go to a physician and he will recommend an imaging test based on your condition.

CDI Miami | Wednesday April 10, 2019

How Pet CT scan helps to find out underlying diseases in the body

How Pet CT scan helps to find out underlying diseases in the body

Positron emission tomography (PET), also known as PET scan or PET imaging helps to find out various diseases in the body. A PET scan produces 3 dimension images of biological functions. It uses a small number of radiotracers, computer and a special kind of camera to evaluate functions of internal organs. Radiotracers are either swallowed or given through injection. A PET/CT scan evaluate body changes at the cellular level, PET/CT can identify various diseases when they are unidentified in various other tests, a PET/CT helps to detect a disease at an early stage.
 
Center for diagnostic imaging Miami advises PET/CT scan for various diseases like cancer, brain disorders, heart, etc. It is a very helpful tool to understand the development of a disease. A combined PET/CT helps to provide clear pictures of the body functions and can pinpoint the abnormalities which otherwise go unnoticed on other imaging tests.
 
Why PET/CT scan is performed?
 
PET/CT scan is performed to get information on what is wrong with the body on a cellular level. It gives information about blood flow, glucose, and oxygen used by the body for certain body activities.  It is an outpatient procedure; the scan typically takes typically 30 to 60 minutes.
 
Pet/CT scan is performed in case of:
 

  • Cancer
  • Brain diseases
  • Heart problems

 
Cancer cells are spotted as bright dots on Pet/CT scan, as they have a higher metabolic rate than the noncancerous cells, they can be easily differentiated with the help of scan. PET/CT is also beneficial to detect the extent to which cancer has spread, the scan helps your doctor in finding out if the cancer is restricted to a certain area or the cancer cells have slacked off to nearby areas.
 
In the case of heart problems, the blood flow is decreased and PET/CT can reveal the problems in the tissues which have less blood flow than the healthy tissues.
 
To detect what is wrong with the brain; tracers are attached to glucose, as glucose is a major fuel for the brain. Through PET scan it can be detected which areas of the brain use glucose at the highest rate.
 
How to prepare for PET/CT scan
 
You will be asked to refrain from any strenuous physical activity 24 hours before the test.
 
You will be asked to stop consuming food with high carbohydrates content
 
On the day of the exam, you will be asked to not consume anything 6 hours preceding the exam.
 
If you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding, you should tell your physician before the scan.
 
Conclusion
 
PET/CT scan is an important scan which can be done at diagnostic imaging Miami.  It helps to detect various underlying conditions at an early stage.

CDI Miami | Monday March 4, 2019

How To Prepare For A Mammogram?

How To Prepare For A Mammogram

 

The mammogram is the first step to take care of the breasts. Even if you’re a mammogram newbie or a veteran, knowing about the process will be helpful in making the process go smoothly. Prepare for a mammogram in the right way, this can be really helpful in reducing the anxiety about the procedure and will make the results more accurate.
 
Preparation
 
Always prefer a specialized facility in mammograms that does many mammograms every day and prefer the same center for diagnostic imaging Miami every time, to easily compare the year to year mammograms. While going to the diagnostic center for the first time, get along the list of places and date of the last mammograms, biopsies, or other breast treatments, so that the old pictures could be compared to the new ones.
 
Keep track of your menstrual periods, as the mammograms need to be scheduled when the breasts are not swollen or tender to take good pictures and avoid any discomfort. Moreover, don’t spray any deodorant as these have substances which result in white spots on the x-ray. Wear easy to remove clothes as the facility will ask you to remove your top and bra for the 3d mammogram.
 
What Is Mammography?
 
The mammogram is an X-ray examination, commonly used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women having breast problems, such as a pain, lump, or nipple discharge. The procedure detects tumors, breast cancers, cysts prior to being detected by the touch. The mammography doesn’t justify that an abnormal area is cancer but if it raises a significant suspicion of breast cancer, tissue should be removed by a biopsy or needle and examined under the microscope to determine either its cancer or not.
 
Experts ask the 40 years old or above woman to get a mammogram done every one to two years and if there is any family history of breast cancer, women should start screenings earlier because they have it have more often.
 
When You Get A Mammogram
 
These are few tips which can be really helpful in getting a good quality mammogram.
 
Explain all the problem or any Miami breast changes to the technologist while doing the mammogram. Tell your medical history that affects breast cancer risk such as consumption of specific pills, surgery, hormone use, or any breast cancer in the family.
 
If you’re breastfeeding or pregnant notify the technologist before the imaging test.

CDI Miami | Wednesday November 14, 2018

How to Get the Best Diagnosis services from a renowned Medical Imaging Center

How to Get the Best Diagnosis services from a renowned Medical Imaging Center

Whenever your physician asks you to gets an imaging test done at the nearest center for diagnostic imaging Miami, you have to consider visiting the most prominent medical imaging service provider for the same. It is recommended that you should always consider visiting a renowned professional that can always offer you the desired services without any hassle.

Sometimes a little glitch in the overall quality of the reports could be the reason for inadequate treatment from your physician’s end. Thus, you have to be sure enough that you only rely on a professional service provider that holds a great reputation in the market and can eventually offer you the precise services. Here we would be sharing adequate details about these service providers that would help you in choosing the right service provider.

Always rely on a certified Professional

The market is full of several options when it comes to choosing the right imaging diagnostic center in Miami that can offer the best services. But you have to make sure that you choose the one that can simply augment your requirements with the finest imaging diagnosis services. You have to ensure that the service provider that you are choosing is certified by government agencies and is up to the mark.

Apart from this, you can find some online portals that can offer you adequate information about the available imaging centers that can help you in getting the right services without any hassle. Another great option is to seek help from your medical practitioner itself. Your physician would certainly guide you the best when you are advised to get any of the imaging scans.

Seek References and Check Reviews for Medical Imaging

One of the best ways to get the right services is to seek references from your acquaintances regarding a renowned service provider that can help you in getting the right diagnosis services. Moreover, it is always a rewarding decision to check the reviews online that would certainly help you in picking the best service provider by analyzing the overall reputation of a radiologist in the market.

Call the Radiologist and confirm the availability of specific service

Sometimes a patient may require specialized service whenever going for a scan and there are chances that some of the imaging scan centers may not be able to serve them. Thus; it is mandatory for you to call the radiologist in advance and confirm the availability of these specific services.

CDI Miami | Thursday November 8, 2018

Preparing Yourself for an Imaging Diagnostic Test- A Brief Overview

Preparing Yourself for an Imaging Diagnostic Test- A Brief Overview

Have you ever thought of the aspects associated with the imaging scan procedures and their importance? Well, if your answer is no, you have to go through this post! Every imaging diagnostic test has some precautions that need to be followed by the patient in order to get the accurate reports without any hassle! The center for diagnostic imaging Miami recommends that one should always consult a renowned professional before they can visit the nearest diagnostic medical imaging Miami that can help in getting the desired tests.

There are people who face certain glitches when they ignore the aspects associated with these tests. It is mandatory for everyone to prepare both mentally and physically before you visit the imaging test center for an imaging test procedure. Here are the things that you need to consider before stepping out from your home for an imaging test procedure.

Always Consult your Physician regarding any Medication that you taking

If you are taking any medication that you think may affect the procedure, it would be a wise decision to consult your doctor regarding the same. Sometimes a procedure may involve intake of a specific drug that may or may not be suitable with any other medication. This may result in certain issues in the medical report. Thus; you have to be sure enough that you confirm the intake of any medication before you can visit your radiologist for an imaging scan.

Apart from this, there are certain alterations that you have to make in your diet so as to prepare yourself for the procedure. These changes in your diet entirely depend on the type of scanning procedure that you are opting. For instance, you have to ensure that you take only liquid diet at least a day before going for an endoscopy scan.

Monitor your Diet

Your doctor would certainly restrict some foodstuff in your diet as it may affect the imaging test. You have to ensure that you strictly follow the diet plan as given by your physician. It is always a wise decision to consult the physician if you are facing some sort of allergies in advance so that they can alter the diet and medication if required during the scanning procedure.

Once you are prepared for the imaging scan, you should always take someone with you that can drive you back home as sometimes mild sedatives may cause dizziness.