Women with Dense Breast Tissue have Higher Breast Cancer Rate, Says the Authors of a New Study
Doctors typically recommend breast cancer screenings and other types of health screenings based on a patient’s risk for specific diseases. Certain factors, such as age, genetics, early menstrual periods, late or no pregnancy, late menopause, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control […]
New MRI Procedure Could Help Doctors Understand Association between Fluid Flow and Brain Tumors
Advances in imaging technology are helping scientists and doctors see how diseases affect the human body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces detailed pictures of a patient’s organs, soft tissues, bones and other structures, for example. The ability to see what is going on inside of a patient without performing surgery allows researchers to get a […]
Many Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer Can Safely Skip Chemo
Chemotherapy has saved millions of lives since doctors started administering it as a treatment for cancer. “Chemo” is still an important treatment for many types of cancer, but the effects of chemotherapy can be very uncomfortable. Now the results of a new study suggest that some women with early-stage breast cancer can safely skip chemotherapy […]
Brain Imaging Provides a Glimpse into Alzheimer’s Disease
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and Longest Day, an event held by the Alzheimer’s Association. The purpose of the event is to increase public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, available resources, and information on how people can get involved. The Longest Day takes place from sunrise to sunset on June 21, 2018. Participants engage […]
Researchers Support the Use of Imaging to Precisely Diagnose and Treat Patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A violent jolt or blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a condition that can cause temporary or lasting damage to the brain. TBIs can even cause changes to the tiny blood vessels in the brain. Now researchers think that these changes to the brain’s blood vessels are linked to a […]
What are Kidney Stones? And Why do They Hurt So Much?
“This too, shall pass” is usually a comforting sentiment, except when it comes to kidney stones. Some describe the pain of passing kidney stones as being as bad as childbirth; others say it is like trying to eat and digest a running chainsaw. So what exactly are kidney stones and why are they so painful […]
People with Varicose Veins have a Higher Risk of Serious Circulatory Problems
People with varicose veins have a higher risk of other serious conditions, according to a new study. The study showed varicose veins increases the risk of deep vein thromboses (DVTs), pulmonary embolisms (PEs), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Younger people with varicose veins were at special risk for DVTs and PEs, while men with varicose […]
My Periods are Painful. Could it be Adenomyosis?
If you are between the ages of 40 and 50, and are experiencing severe symptoms during or after your period, you may have adenomyosis. This affects your uterus, the hollow muscular organ that carries the baby during pregnancy. Your uterus is lined with endometrial tissue, also known as the endometrium. This tissue thickens during the […]
I Married a Zebra: How Imaging Can Help Doctors Diagnose My Husband’s Rare Illness – Pheochromocytoma
Almost every medical student learns about the old adage Dr. Theodore Woodward coined in the late 1940s that says, “When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras.” The intent is to teach medical students to look for the most common explanation for a patient’s illness. Most people with high blood pressure consume too much […]
Imaging Wins Gold for Evaluating Injuries during the Olympics
When the chance to compete on the world’s largest stage comes only once every four years, athletes are often tempted to power through the pain of injury to achieve their dreams. Sometimes the bet pays off and the athlete wins a place on the podium. At other times, though, competing with an injury causes career-ending […]