Diagnostic imaging Archives - Radiology of Indiana

Tag Archive for: Diagnostic imaging

Recognizing the Value of Radiologists

Radiologists are some of the most crucial professionals in the medical field but often go unrecognized for their amazing work. Our latest blog delves into what radiologists do, how they’re making a difference in people’s lives, and recognizing the value of radiologists.

The Role of a Radiologist

Radiologists celebrate the complexity of the human body and work to improve lives through the use of imaging technology. As medical experts, radiologists are critical in interpreting images captured by radiologic imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Primarily used when treating disease and issues in varied areas such as cancer, vascular diseases, men’s health, and women’s health. Through detailed analysis of X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRI scans, they can identify injuries and illnesses that could otherwise go undetected. Their skillful work has saved countless lives over the years and will continue to do so in the future.

The Relationship Between Radiologist and Patient

A radiologist plays a key in difficult diagnoses and image-guided treatments of serious medical conditions. Thus, the relationship between radiologists and their patients is unique and one to acknowledge. Working together with other healthcare professionals, they consult patients or their caregivers about the appropriate tests to perform and how to prepare for them.

Additionally, they analyze the images taken and diagnose and explain the results and discuss possible treatments with them. From detecting tumors to uncovering various conditions, they use their expertise and technology to help in providing a diagnosis. They can also provide peace of mind for families who are seeking answers about the health of their loved ones. Through their expertise, radiologists truly make a difference and help make healthcare diagnoses possible.

This February, show your body some love. Learn more about all our services as well as explore career opportunities at Radiology of Indiana! Visit our website or contact us at (317) 779-2150 today.

Resources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24184-radiologist

https://www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Practice-Toolkit/Patient-Resources/About-Radiology#:~:text=Radiologists%20are%20medical%20doctors%20that,tomography%20(PET)%20and%20ultrasound.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/the-radiologist

Breast Cancer: The Importance of Imaging

Early detection can save lives; read our latest blog discussing breast cancer and the importance of imaging for detection and possibly treatment!

Breast Cancer Awareness

Join us this October as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month because we aim to unite when cancer divides. Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the breast when cells begin to multiply out of control. In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. In 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 43,250 women will die due to breast cancer, with a total of about 287,850 new invasive cases diagnosed.

The two most frequent forms of breast cancer are:

Invasive ductal carcinoma:Occurs when abnormal cells form within the milk ducts, then alter and attack breast tissue outside the ducts. Once this occurs, these cancer cells can spread to other body areas. The most common type of breast cancer, making up for a total of 80% of diagnoses.
Invasive lobular carcinoma – Beginning in the milk-producing glands known as the breast lobules, as the name invasive implies, this cancer can advance beyond the lobule. It can potentially reach one’s lymph nodes and other parts of the body. This form of breast cancer makes up around 10% of diagnoses.

Early Detection for Your Protection

When discovered in its early stages, breast cancer has a survival rate of 99%, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Three simple steps can help you remain proactive regarding breast cancer prevention. First, conduct a breast self-examination once a month at home. Familiarize yourself with how they feel and alert your doctor if changes arise. As the saying says, “feel for lumps, save your bumps.” The next step is a clinical breast exam; your physician or gynecologist completes a CBE at your annual examination. They are trained to notice any breast abnormalities or warning signs. The third and final step is a mammogram. This type of imaging allows a specialist to examine the breast tissue of targeted problem areas. Mammograms can detect breast lumps before they can be felt by hand.

Early detection is fundamental to treating breast cancer, with varied screening options readily available. Here are different types of radiological imaging used for breast cancer detection:

Breast MRI – A breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic exam through a union of radio waves and powerful magnets that forms detailed images of the inside of the breast.
Breast Ultrasound – A screening test that utilizes sound waves to look within the breast. Breast ultrasounds also allow for specific breast changes to be monitored, such as a fluid-filled cyst that a mammogram may struggle to depict clearly.
Mammograms – Last but certainly not least is the most crucial screening test for breast cancer. Think of a mammogram as an X-ray of the breast, which can detect breast cancer as early as two years before a doctor can physically feel a tumor.

Breast cancer is an extremely difficult disease to experience or watch someone you love the experience. Therefore, raising awareness regarding means of prevention is essential moving forward. As actress and breast cancer survivor Ann Jillian once said, “There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is early detection.”

Breast Cancer Awareness is more than just a month. Visit our website today to learn more about breast imaging and the various types provided!

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/invasive-ductal-carcinoma-idc#:~:text=What%20is%20invasive%20ductal%20carcinoma,the%20walls%20of%20the%20duct

I changed the image to something a bit more modern. It’s a free image from Pexels!

I think this image was not used so I would find a new one to use from this month’s schedule!

Gotcha!!

The Power of Diagnostic Imaging for Prostate Disease

As men get older, their chances of developing an enlarged prostate increase. More than half of men over 60 have an enlarged prostate, which grows to 80% by age 80. An enlarged prostate is a common symptom shared by three primary prostate diseases. Let’s explore these prostate diseases and how Radiology of Indiana is equipped to help with the diagnostic part of testing and diagnosis.

Types of Prostate Disease

Any man can develop a prostate problem. Here are the main three types of prostate diseases:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is when the prostate grows larger for reasons not related to cancer. It affects approximately 50% of all men before the age of 50 and more than 75% percent of men over 60.
1. Symptoms include:
  1. Weak urinary stream
  2. A sense of not being able to empty the bladder completely

Difficulty starting urination

Urinating more often or a sense of having to go right away
Having to get up often at night to urinate
Stopping and starting of the urine stream.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that a bacterial infection may cause. This disease may affect all ages of men and can occur in any prostate, whether enlarged or not. Symptoms of prostatitis are like those caused by an enlarged prostate and may include:
1. Urge frequency
2. Difficulty in emptying the bladder
3. Chills
4. Fever
5. Pain or burning during urination
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death due to cancer among men. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland. However, some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment. Other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer symptoms include:
1. Difficulty with beginning urination
2. Frequent need to urinate, particularly at night
3. Inability to urinate
4. Weak or sporadic urine flow
5. Painful or a burning sensation during urination
6. Painful ejaculation
7. Blood in the urine or semen
8. Pain in the back, hips, or located in the extremities

Interventional and Traditional Imaging Capabilities

Radiology of Indiana has interventional and traditional imaging capabilities to meet your needs to assist in the evaluation and diagnosis of prostate diseases, including:

Nuclear Medicine– A nuclear medicine procedure is a medical specialty that uses radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) to assess bodily functions and diagnose and treat disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)– An MRI scan can produce detailed images of the organs and tissues in the body.

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)– PAE is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The prostate arteries are embolized by tiny microspheres that block some blood flow to the prostate, shrinking the tissue and relieving symptoms.

Dedication, Integrity, and Excellence

When you have physicians on staff with radiology experience dating back to 1960, adapting to the ever-changing healthcare environment becomes second nature. At Radiology of Indiana, our track record of exceptional services is what solidifies and strengthens our relationships with the hospitals, imaging centers, referring physicians, and patients who put their trust in us.

Let’s talk about how Radiology of Indiana can meet your needs too. Contact us today!

Sources:

https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/prostate-diseases/

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/benignprostate

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9100-benign-prostatic-enlargement-bph

https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/prostate-disease/