Beyond the MRI: Diagnostic Imaging Center Services
There are many reasons patients visit diagnostic imaging centers, but perhaps the most common is for magnetic resonance imaging, commonly referred to as an MRI. About 30 million MRI scans are performed every year in the United States alone. And while they’re useful for detecting everything from sports injuries to life-threatening brain tumors and gastrointestinal conditions, MRI radiology isn’t the only service you’ll find at a diagnostic imaging center. Here are a few other important fields in which imaging technology can prove extremely valuable.
Cancer Screening: Many diagnostic imaging centers can offer comprehensive screenings for different types of cancer using the latest advancements in radiology. Women can now be screened for breast cancer using 3D mammograms that offer a better picture of breast tissue than traditional mammography. Additionally, low dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans can be used to detect possible cancer development in the lungs of long-time smokers.
Ultrasounds: Most of us only associate ultrasounds with pregnancy, but they can be used for so much more. They are especially useful for investigating unexplained abdominal or gastrointestinal issues such as swelling or pain. They can also be used to monitor blood flow process, joint health, and organ functioning.
Vein Treatments: Interventional radiology can be performed at certain diagnostic imaging centers to treat conditions such as varicose veins, chronic venous disease, or spider veins. A specialist will help to evaluate your conditions and select the best course of treatment for health or cosmetic purposes.
General Biopsy: Biopsies can be performed for a number of reasons, including the early detection of cancer cells or other conditions via a small sample of tissue. Image-guided biopsies are especially useful for yielding quality results for accurate lab analysis. The entire process is minimally invasive and designed to be comfortable and efficient for all patients.
The field of radiology is always evolving to provide innovative imaging solutions in the medical field that can help improve diagnostics, treatments, and patient quality of life. There’s more to imaging than just X-rays or MRIs. As technology improves, so too will our ability to combat illness and disease around the globe.