Digital Mammography
Digital mammography is a mammography system where x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electric signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special films to look like regular mammograms. From the patient's point of view, mammography with a Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) system (hereafter called "digital mammography") is essentially the same as the screen-film system. The mammograms will be taken the same way. Digital mammography can legally be performed only in facilities that are certified.
Bone Density
DEXA bone density is used most often to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause, but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile, and more likely to break.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most technologically advanced diagnostic tools available. MRI uses a powerful magnet, low intensity radio frequency pulses and computer technology to create detailed images of the soft tissues, muscles, nerves and bones in your body. In many instances, it replaces the need for X-rays, hospitalization and exploratory surgery. There are no known side effects of MRI, and it uses no radiation.
How MRI Scanners Work
The main component of the MRI scanner is a magnet. This magnet causes your body's hydrogen atoms to align themselves in such a way as to receive radio signals from the magnetic resonance system. When your body receives these signals, it reacts by sending its own radio signals back to the machine. It is this radio frequency transmitted by your body that is computer-processed and turned into highly detailed images.
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CT scan
The CT scan, or Computed Tomography scan, is an advanced diagnostic test that uses X-rays, a special scanner and a computer to produce detailed images of a specific area of your body. These images, when studied in sequence, can give your physician a 3-D view of your body to result in a more accurate diagnosis.
How CT Scanners Work
The scanner is made up of a ring containing an X-ray tube and receptors. The region of interest will be placed within the ring and the X-ray tube rotates around you. With each rotation, the tube sends X-rays, and the receptors measure the amount of X-rays absorbed during each rotation of the ring. The computer then transforms these measurements into a visual image. This image, or slice, is viewed on a video screen during the exam and later converted to digital or print media for the radiologist or your doctor to study.
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Women's Center - Digital Mammography
As daughters become mothers and then grandmothers, their healthcare needs change. We are dedicated to meeting your specific healthcare needs at every stage of life. Our compassionate physicians and staff understand women's health care and are dedicated to serving you in an environment designed around those specific needs.
Why Mammography is Important
Mammography can identify abnormalities in the breast that are far too small to be felt during self-exams. Currently, it is the best way to detect cancer when no symptoms exist. Early detection of small cancers and prompt treatment result in the highest possible cure rates.
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves beyond human hearing capability to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no X-rays and can provide medical information that, in the past, may have required surgery.
Ultrasound can detect aneurysms, blood clots, damaged heart tissue, abnormal growths and diseased tissue; during pregnancy a baby's size, weight, position and physical condition can be determined. Ultrasound also is used to diagnose and treat muscle injuries and some joint problems.
How does Ultrasound work?
The ultrasound procedure is simple and painless. A hand-held transducer emitting silent, high frequency sound waves is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area being examined. The sound waves pass through the skin and into the body. The returning sound waves or echoes are separated and identified by the transducer, then changed into electrical energy. Sophisticated equipment produces images on a video monitor and it is digitized and sent to a radiology reading station.
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What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea affects the way you breathe when you’re sleeping. In untreated sleep apnea, breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes very shallow during sleep. These breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm. As a consequence, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day.
This chronic sleep deprivation results in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. But with treatment you can control the symptoms, get your sleep back on track, and start enjoy being refreshed and alert every day.
Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms
It can be tough to identify sleep apnea on your own, since the most prominent symptoms only occur when you’re
asleep. But you can get around this difficulty by asking a bed partner to observe your sleep habits, or by recording
yourself during sleep.
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