Health Services, Radiology, Ultrasound in Phoenix, Arizona

Procedures Performed

MRI	MRA	Breast MRI
X ray	PET Scan	Dexa Scan
CT Scan	Mammograms	Ultra Sound

MRI

MRI is a method of obtaining detailed pictures of internal body structures with the use of magnetic field and radio frequency pulses.

MRI detects abnormalities with accuracy, especially those involving the soft tissue. In fact, MRI may reduce the need for biopsies, exploratory surgeries, and other high-risk procedures. MRI is commonly used as a primary diagnostic tool with no associated risk to the patient, while providing high-quality clinical evaluations of:

- Brain Disorders
- Traumatic Injuries
- Spinal Diseases
- Bone Infection/Osteomyelitis
- Tumor Detection & Staging
- Tumor Treatment Response
- Liver & Organ Diseases
- Knee & Shoulder Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Blood Flow & Vessel Disorders
- Foot & Ankle Disorders
- Eye Abnormalities

Open MRI

Open MRI is designed to alleviate anxiety and claustrophobia that is sometimes associated with the High Field MRI.

The Open MRI has an open gantry on three sides and delivers premium image quality, while providing the highest level of patient comfort. It is often the optimum choice for children, seniors, large persons, and claustrophobic patients.

High Field MRI

The High Field MRI may provide a more accurate diagnosis for some specific indications, such as small joint imaging, due to its high level of resolution. An additional benefit of the High Field MRI is the shorter exam time, due to the high field strength. Therefore, it is often the optimal choice for patients with no history of claustrophobia.

Breast MRI

The Breast MRI has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1991 for use as a supplemental tool, in addition to mammography, to help diagnose breast cancer. Breast MRI uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to look exclusively at the breast. It is a non-invasive procedure that physicians can use to determine what the inside of the breast looks like without having to do surgery or compress the breast, as in a mammogram. Each exam produces hundreds of images of the breast that are then read by a radiologist. No radioactivity is involved, and in most cases, the technique is believed to have no health hazards.

The procedure for an MRI of the breast involves the patient lying on her stomach with both breasts hanging freely into a cushioned recess containing the breast coil. The entire bed on which she is lying is advanced into a tube-like machine open at both ends that resembles a huge donut. Anyone can have a breast MRI, but mostly patients are women who already have a cancer diagnosis and plan to have surgery or chemotherapy followed by surgery, or those with a suspicious lump or mammogram, who are also going on to have a biopsy or surgery. Women may also be candidates if they have dense breasts, implants, or scar tissue from previous breast surgery, which may prevent mammography from providing a sufficient picture of the breast.

For more information or a referral for a Breast MRI, please contact your primary physician.

PET Scan

Az-Tech Radiology is please to offer advanced diagnostic imaging services with the installation of our new Philips ALLEGRO™ PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanner at the Casa Grande and Apache Junction locations.

PET is an emerging trend in diagnostic imaging that allows physicians to make more accurate evaluations of various cancers and determine the most beneficial course of action. PET imaging has also been shown to be an effective tool in the evalutation of certain cardiac diseases as well as various skin and brain disorders.

Unlike other diagnostic imaging modalities, PET shows metabolic activity and can reveal disease states before structural damage is evident. Currently, the most common applications of PET in cancer patients are detectiong recurrent disease early, diagnosing disease when other tests are inconclusive, staging the extent of the disease, and monitoring the reponse to therapy.

Dexa Scan

What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition which gradually weakens bones, causing them to become brittle and prone to fractures. It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and another 18 million have low bone density. By age 50, a woman has more than a 38% chance of developing an osteoporotic fracture during her lifetime.

Osteoporosis is a serious disease, but is treatable if detected in the early stages. Most physicians recommend a DEXA scan at the age of 40 when risk factors are present. However, if no risk factors are present, a baseline DEXA at age 50 (or at menopause) is still suggested.

A DEXA scan, or bone density measurement, will determine your bone mineral density (BMD) and compare the result with the BMD of an average young adult. If osteoporosis is detected, your physician may suggest specific diet instructions, exercise, or medication, depending upon the amount of bone mineral loss.

What Are the Risk Factors?
Women who are postmenopausal are at the highest risk for osteoporosis. The presence of any one of the following factors can add to your risk:

- Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
- Thin or small body structure
- Family history of osteoporosis or stress fracture
- Early menopause (before age 45)
- Cigarette smoking
- Inactive lifestyle
- Long-term use of some medications, such as steroids
- Excessive alcohol use
- Low calcium intake
- Thyroid diseases
- Eating disorders

It is possible to have osteoporosis even if you have no risk factors; therefore, it is important to discuss having a DEXA scan with your physician.

Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
The radiation exposure is minimal, but you should not have this exam if you are pregnant. Please alert your physician and our staff if you might be pregnant.

DEXA is a simple procedure that measures the bone mineral density in your hip and spine, while you lie on the table. DEXA scans are quick, safe, and painless, and the entire exam takes less than 30 minutes.

CT Scan

What Is CT?
Computed Tomography (“CT” or “CAT” scan) can look inside your body by creating multiple cross-sectional images. Imagine a loaf of bread and examining each “slice” separately. The images are created using special Xray equipment that applies computer processing to synthesize the images into a cross-sectional view of body tissues and organs.

Common Uses of CT
CT can be used for cancer detection and can even determine the size and shape of a tumor, where it’s located in the body, and whether the tumor is solid or hollow. Additionally, CT exams can be used to guide biopsy needle insertion and for radiation treatment and planning. In addition to cancer detection, CT is commonly used for evaluation of post-traumatic injuries as well as for assessment of patients with suspected aneurysm or stroke.

How Does CT Work?
You will be asked to lie down on the CT scanner’s movable table. The table is passed through a large donut-shaped ring, as the scanner begins to take pictures of your body. These are the images that will be reconstructed by the computer into a cross-sectional view. In some cases, the use of a contrast material may be needed to enhance the image. The contrast material may be orally or intravenously administered, depending on the particular type of CT study being performed.

Mammograms

What Is Mammography?
Mammography is a low-dose X ray study of the breast. It can detect breast cancer in the early stages of development, while it is small and often before it can be detected with physical examination. Your health care provider may order a screening or diagnostic mammogram depending upon your specific need.

Screening Mammography is for women with no current breast concerns. The exam consists of two or three views of each breast while the breast tissue is compressed. Breast compression is important because it spreads out the breast tissue and can make the difference between finding or missing an early breast cancer. The results of your exam will be mailed to you and your health care provider.

Diagnostic Mammography is recommended for women with an abnormal mammogram or a breast- related problem (such as lump, thickening, a focal point of pain, nipple retraction, skin dimpling, or spontaneous nipple discharge). A diagnostic mammogram is a problem-solving mammogram, and additional views are frequently required. The exam is tailored to your specific problem. A radiologist will interpret your exam and provide you with the results during your appointment. A copy will also be delivered to your health care provider.

Ultrasound is a breast imaging study using sound waves to acquire images of the breast tissue. Ultrasound is primarily used as an exam to further evaluate an abnormality detected on a mammogram or to evaluate an area of palpable concern. Ultrasound can distinguish between fluid filled cysts and solid masses.

About Breast Cancer
Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of breast cancer. Currently the cause of breast cancer is unknown. With early detection, most women with breast cancer can be cured. Early detection is maximized through a combined approach of regular breast exams and mammography.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important component in the early detection of breast cancer. BSE should be performed every month. Regular examination can help you to become familiar with your breast tissue, making it easier to notice if a change occurs in your breast. If you have questions about BSE, please ask our staff for educational material. In addition to BSE, you should schedule a physical breast exam with your health care provider every year.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin annual screening mammography at age 40. Although no diagnostic tool is 100% effective, mammography is critical in early detection. Many breast cancers can be detected by mammography at least 2 years before a cancer can be detected by a physician during breast examination.

Cancellation Policy
Kindly give 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your exam with us. There will be a $25 charge for missed exams or exams cancelled without 48 hours' notice.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging (also called “sonography”) uses high-frequency sound waves to create visual images of the internal body structures. As the sound waves pass through the body, some of the waves are absorbed by the body’s tissues, while others are reflected back. The reflected sound waves are measured and displayed by a computer, which then creates a real-time image on a monitor. The sonographer will electronically store the images, which will be studied and evaluated by the radiologist.

Common Uses:
Many patients are familiar with the use of ultrasound during pregnancy. However, it also offers several other diagnostic applications. Ultrasound can detect the source of pain or inflammation inside the body and can reveal infection or tumors. It is often used for patients with suspected gallstones. Ultrasound can also evaluate the arteries and veins for narrowing, blockages, or clots.

Your Ultrasound exam:
You will be asked to lie down on an examination table. The sonographer will apply a clear gel to the skin over the area that is being studied. The sonographer passes a small device, referred to as a transducer, over the skin. The sound waves that create the ultrasound images are sent through the transducer. You will be able to get dressed and leave immediately following the procedure. Most exams take less than 30 minutes.

Please click visit the “prep instructions and forms” section of our Web site for specific details about preparing for your ultrasound exam.

Cancellation Policy for Breast Ultrasound:
Kindly give 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your exam with us. There will be a $25 charge for missed exams or exams canceled without 48 hours' notice.