Digital Imaging Services
A new study reveals that getting an MRI of the breast does not necessarily lead to better breast cancer outcomes. Even though over half of the women who had a medical problem that was subsequently uncovered in their MRIs (and opted for masectomy surgeries), they were not necessarily more likely to remain healthy. “Overall, there is growing evidence that MRI does not improve surgical care, and it could be argued that it has a potentially harmful effect,” researchers wrote in a new report published in the Aug. 13th Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Despite the recent headlines, doctors insist that digital imaging provides far more benefits than drawbacks and should always be put on the table as an option for diagnosing and directing treatment.
There are many types of imaging tests one might come across. One is body digital imaging, which involves everything from the neck down. Imaging technology includes CT scans, MRIs, x-rays, arthrographies and video imaging biopsies. A radiologist can look at the skeleton, the muscles and the blood vessels in the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Often suspected lung cancer patients will meet with a team of specialists to have these comprehensive tests performed to reach a diagnosis. Recent advances have made it possible for dermatologists to detect melanoma two years earlier than usual as well.
Women in particular have a wider range of radiology imaging services available to them. For instance, digital imaging is necessary for early breast cancer detection. Mammographies, ultrasounds, MRIs, galactographies and stereotactic breast biopsies are techniques used to detect tumors. Additionally, an MRI of the uterus, cervix or ovaries can often reveal abnormalities in those regions too. It’s a routine procedure for pregnant women to meet with a sonographer to see early images of their developing fetuses.
Digital imaging has been under fire in recent years, as legislators argue that way more scans are performed than are actually utilized by physicians. Some estimates suggest only 174/1,000 are needed in diagnosing and treating patients and that, more often than not, patients are sent into the CT or MRI machines just so greedy capitalists can make more money off Medicare. No doubt, scanning will be part of the national health care debate, but one can only hope that patient care is not compromised with the new reforms that are underway.
Matthew McMillan is a leading expert in the treating genital warts. His works are regularly featured in online health publications on matters relating natural cure for genital warts. For more information, visit treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.
