Diagnostic imaging in Miami often involves bone scans. These tests can reveal problems in the bones caused by infection, trauma, cancer or unexplained bone pain. Bone scans are more sensitive than X-rays and can typically identify problems days or months earlier than X-rays can. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors may order bone scans if they suspect one of the following conditions: • Arthritis • Avascular necrosis • Bone cancer • Metastatic cancer • Fibrous dysplasia • Fractures • Infection • Paget’s disease Although bone scans are more sensitive than X-rays, they cannot show differences ..read more

Your genes have a lot to say about who you are and how healthy you are. But for certain diseases, including cancer, so many genes are likely involved that it’s hard for doctors to come up with a useful, reliable way to turn your DNA information into a precise risk score. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Three of the most well-known abnormal genes are BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2. There are also genetic variants of these genes that are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who inherit a mutation in any of these genes have up to 80% higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer ..read more

The origin of cancer is often obscured by metastases – tumors that have already spread to other tissues. This is especially the case for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), a malignancy of nerve cells scattered throughout various organ systems that are sensitive to the signaling of neurotransmitters and hormones. An investigational molecular imaging technique could be the key to finding the elusive primary tumor, say presenters at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI). Researchers are rooting out these primary tumors, many of them found in the gastr ..read more

Prostate cancer is the second most deadly cancer in men, after lung cancer. There are an estimated 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer a year in the U.S. and 29,480 deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. A growing body of evidence shows that MRI can help physicians detect a larger percentage of aggressive cancers than conventional biopsies. Current medical practices dictate use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which is followed up with a biopsy if PSA levels are determined to be high. Nonetheless, traditional ultrasound guided biopsies cannot always accurately t ..read more

  MRI is a diagnostic exam at the center for diagnostic imaging miami which is used to detect abnormalities in breasts including breast cancer. It uses radio waves and magnetic waves to produce detailed images of body organs on a computer screen. However, Breast MRI is not a substitute for mammography or ultrasound, instead, it helps in a thorough analysis of the breasts along with other diagnostic tools.   Why it’s performed   Screening high-risk patients   Breast MRI is a potent tool for screening high-risk patients. People with a genetic history of breast cancer or ..read more

  What is a Bone Density Scan?   Bone density is the measurement that defines the mineral content of the bone. The bone density is an identification number that can be used to indicate the strength of the bone and can also help in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.   A bone density scan is an imaging test that uses a specialized X-rays such that it causes a minimal damage on the body of the patient. For bone density a specialized X- ray test is mainly brought into use as if we go by a traditional method then it may be case that we are able to detect it only in the conditio ..read more

Receiving a Heart MRI in Miami is a useful way to diagnose, treat and monitor cardiac conditions   An MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, is used to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body, including the heart.  Sometimes referred to as a heart MRI or a cardiac MRI, this procedure is usually performed when a doctor needs to diagnose or monitor cardiac disease or surgical changes in a patient. Unlike a CT scan, an MRI does not use radiation. It is considered a safer alternative for pregnant women. MRI of a human heart A cardiac MRI in Miami ..read more

Genetic testing can be both informative as well as an effective preventative method by locating specific pre-cursors to disease: genomic bio-markers. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Genetic testing has potential benefits whether the results are positive or negative for a gene mutation. Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help people make informed decisions about managing their health care. For example, a negative result can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests in some cases. A positive result can direct a person toward ..read more

There are several new developments afoot in the medical imaging world. Trends such as: multidisciplinary teams, big data, tomosynthesis, and patient engagement, among others. These themes gained traction through highly publicized research, making 2015 an exciting year for diagnostic imaging. According to Norman Yung, Chief Marketing Officer of Carestream, “Last year marked the time when certain trends were shown to have benefits, and this year will be the time when these ideas are put into practice among a larger portion of the industry.”   Multidisciplinary Teams: This has allowed commun ..read more

3D Mammography is FDA Approved and Offers Many Benefits over Traditional Mammograms There have been rumors in the healthcare industry that insurance carriers would finally start to cover tomosynthesis (3D mammograms), in addition to traditional 2D film or digital mammograms. Unfortunately, we have yet to see these rumors come to fruition, at least not on a widespread basis.   To date, most insurers refuse to pay for a patient’s 3D mammogram, citing reasons such as the technology is “too new,” “unproven,” or “not medically necessary.” At the Center for Diagnostic Imaging in Miami, we stron ..read more