Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Doppler ultrasound may also show blood flow in certain pelvic organs.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiogram with Stone Removal

This is an x-ray and procedure to remove stones in the common bile duct.

Common Bile Duct Exploration

A common bile duct exploration is sometimes performed when a stone is found blocking the common bile duct. Tubes, catheters and x-ray guidance are used in this procedure.

Double-Contrast Barium Enema

In a double-contrast barium enema (also called an air-contrast study), the colon is first filled with barium and then the barium is drained out, leaving only a thin layer of barium on the wall of the colon. The colon is then filled with air. This provides a detailed view of the inner surface of the colon, making it easier to see colon polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammation.

Interventional Radiology and Vascular Studies

We participate in a variety of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Studies.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, also called sonography, is a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Intravenous Pyelogram

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a type of x-ray that allows visualization of the kidneys and ureters after the injection of a contrast dye. The dye helps enhance the image on an x-ray film.

As the contrast dye moves into and through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, x-rays taken at short intervals can capture its movement. A delay in the contrast dye moving through the urinary system may indicate an obstruction in the kidney’s blood flow or poor kidney function.

A radiologist can then assess the function and detect abnormalities of the urinary system. This test is usually ordered as one of the first tests in cases of suspected kidney disease or urinary tract disorders.

Mammogram

A form of x-ray of the breast that can identify tissue abnormalities, including cancerous growths. Mammograms can detect breast cancer as much as two years before a lump can be felt.

Barium Enema

A barium enema (also called lower GI, or gastrointestinal, series) is  a procedure that examines the rectum, the large intestine and the lower part of the small intestine. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages) and other problems.

Venous Doppler Ultrasound

A venous Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic test used to check circulation. This exam shows any blockage in the veins by a blood clot or “thrombus” formation.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

This procedure involves locating the few lymph nodes near the site of cancer that would receive lymph fluid drainage from the tumor itself. If any tumor cells have moved from the original area involved, those lymph nodes would most likely hold them. These lymph nodes are found using a radioactive tracer and blue dye.

Nuclear Stress Test

Tests on the heart which use small amounts of radioactive (nuclear) tracers and radiological imaging machines to evaluate the supply of blood to your heart muscle. During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner, which detects the radioactive material in your heart, creates images of your heart muscle.

Needle Localizations

A special examination for localizing questionable masses that cannot be felt but are seen on mammogram films. The radiologist places a needle with a wire into the area of abnormality. The needle remains in the breast once it is in the area of interest.  The patient then goes to the operating room for the biopsy procedure. The needle is used as a guide by the surgeon to ensure that the correct area of abnormality is removed.

PET Scan

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine procedure that measures the metabolic activity of cells.

Myelogram

A myelogram is a specific x-ray study that allows careful evaluation of the spinal canal and nerve roots. It involves the injection of a dye or contrast material into the spinal canal.

Mobile MRI

An MRI contained within a large truck, which can be moved from location to location. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of scan that, instead of X-rays, uses a large, powerful magnet to create an image of part of the body.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Gastrointestinal Procedures

Prodedures to diagnosis and/or treat conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is the part of the digestive tract where the body processes food and eliminates waste. It includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, small and large intestines, and rectum.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to learn which regions of the brain are active in a specific function, as in speech.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope.

Fine Needle Aspiration

For a fine needle aspiration biopsy,  a very thin needle is placed into the lump or suspicious area to remove a small sample of fluid and/or tissue. No incision is necessary. A fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to help to differentiate a cyst from a lump.

Diagnostic Ultrasound (Sonogram)

Diagnostic ultrasound (sonography) is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to form an image of body tissues. Information obtained from these images can be utilized along with other patient data in order to arrive at a medical diagnosis.

CT Scan

A computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

Breast Ultrasound (Breast Sonogram)

Breast ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the breasts and look for tumors. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the breast tissue. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts. The examination is often used along with mammography.

Breast Care Center

The Breast Care Center strives to increase awareness about breast cancer through education and early detection. The Breast Care Center also offers breast health programs to the community and businesses free of charge.

Arterial Doppler Study

The Arterial Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves at a frequency that is higher than humans are able to hear to produce images on a monitor for the purpose of evaluating the arterial blood flow to the upper extremities (arms) and lower extremities (legs).

Nuclear Medicine

A branch of medicine and medical imaging that uses the nuclear properties of matter in diagnosis and therapy. More specifically, nuclear medicine is a part of molecular imaging because it produces images that reflect biological processes that take place at the cellular and subcellular level.

Bone Density Testing (DEXA Scan)

A bone density test, or DEXA Scan,  is a noninvasive, evaluation procedure that uses x-rays to measure bone mass or the weight of the skeleton. The amount of bone in the skeleton determines how strong it is. Bone densitometry is often used to measure bone mass in the spine, hips and arms, as these are the areas most likely to fracture when bone mass is low.

Upper GI (Barium Swallow)

An upper GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called a barium swallow) is a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is swallowed. X-rays are then taken to evaluate the digestive organs.

Digital Mammography

The latest advancement in the early detection of breast cancer, new digital capabilities will enable the technologist to immediately view mammogram images on the screen, thereby reducing the amount of time spent in the imaging suite and the need for retakes.

Screening Mammogram

A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer.

Diagnostic Mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to diagnose unusual breast changes, such as a lump, pain, nipple thickening or discharge, or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram is also used to evaluate abnormalities detected on a screening mammogram. It is a basic medical tool and is appropriate in the workup of breast changes, regardless of a woman's age.

X-ray

An x-ray is a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.