Radiology

CAD (computer-aided detection)

The CAD (computer-aided detection) system analyzes mammographic images and marks areas that contain characteristics often identified with cancerous tissues. The system helps provide better patient care with fewer missed cancers and earlier cancer detection.

"This technology represents a major advance in the early detection of breast cancer. This program, along with regular exams, significantly improves the level of care we provide for our patients," said Wayne Muth, director of radiology at Medcenter One.

Clinical trials have shown that 39 percent of missed breast cancers could have been detected 14.8 months earlier using the mammography CAD system.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact your doctor or call Medcenter One's radiology department at 701.323.5210.

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Computerized tomography—CAT scan (CT)

Medcenter One's radiology department is equipped with a Toshiba Aqulion 16 Slice Scanner. A CT scanner is used to make cross-sectional images of the head or selected parts of your body.

CT scanning—is a noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculo-skeletal disorders.

Where is the procedure done?

Your CT scan will be done in the radiology department by a radiologic technologist. The results of your CT scan will be read by a radiologist and reported to your doctor.

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Mammogram

Our mammography department is equipped with two Ecklund breast compressions system X-ray units which are accredited by the American College of Radiology and FDA. Dr. G.W. Ecklund developed the Ecklund breast compression system which provides more breast and chest wall tissue on films.

Our mammography department is equipped with SmartLight digital film viewers. These film viewers are the latest technology which replaces the old 80+ year light viewing technology used by most radiology departments. SmartLight digital film viewers substantially improve the doctor's ability to detect breast cancer.

You will receive a letter from Medcenter One Q&R Clinic with the results of your mammogram. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call us.

To schedule your mammogram, please call:

• Medcenter One Q&R Clinic—Bismarck 701.323.5210
• Mandan Family Clinic North—Mandan 701.667.5100

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Ultrasound

Medcenter One's ultrasound department is the only imaging center in the Bismarck/Mandan area that offers all utrasound imaging scans. We offer vascular, cardiac and general imaging services and average over 900 exams per month.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is the use of sound waves in the imaging of disease. Ultrasound is used to diagnose medical problems, to monitor normal pregnancies and to screen for birth defects or pregnancy problems.

How is ultrasound used for obstetric patients?

Obstetric ultrasound provides physicians with a first look at a developing fetus. More than half of all pregnant women have at least one ultrasound. Ultrasound can confirm the presence of a viable fetus and can verify the growth of the fetus, fetus body movements, breathing and heart rate. It also can help identify problems with the pregnancy.

Identifying problems early can help us determine how to solve the problems in a way that is best for the mother and the developing fetus.

Who performs ultrasounds?

Our sonographers are all registered and cross-trained in each area of sonography.

The registration titles are achieved by completing and passing a national exam. The following titles are held among the staff:

• RDMS: registered diagnostic medical sonographer
• RDCS: registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer
• RVT: registered vascular technologist

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Nuclear medicine

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials to help diagnose earlier and treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders more effectively. Nuclear medicine results are often combined with the results of other tests to help your doctor get a more accurate report of your condition.

How are nuclear medicine tests done?

• Scans or images are obtained of various organs or parts of the body following the injection fo a radioactive substance called a tracer.
• You will lie on a special table with the scanning camera above or below the area of interest.
• Each image takes about one minute; multiple images are taken.

How will I hear the results of the procedure?

A radiologist will read your scans and make a report to your doctor. Your doctor may call you or ask you to schedule an appointment to discuss your results.

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Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)

Medcenter One offers positron emission tomography / computerized tomography (PET/CT) imaging services. PET/CT is a medical imaging procedure that provides physicians with information about the body's chemistry, cell function and location of disease. PET/CT is a new imaging tool that is highly advanced. PET/CT combines two different types of imaging, functional imaging and anatomical imaging, into one procedure. PET and CT together produce a more accurate picture of what is happening in the body than either PET or CT alone. PET/CT is a very good tool for detecting cancer and how far it has spread. It can help the doctor decide on the best treatment for a patient.

PET/CT imaging allows physicians to diagnose and determine the extent of various cancers, neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy and damage to cardiac muscle after a heart attack. Another primary use for PET/CT is staging the progression of cancer and monitoring the success of therapy.

Medcenter One director of radiology Wayne Muth said, "PET/CT scans will have a major impact on our clinical evaluations of cancer patients, and in many cases, will enable our physicians to begin treatment earlier and increase the odds for successful patient outcomes."

Medcenter One offers mobile positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) once a week.

For more information, call Medcenter One's nuclear medicine department at 701.323.5377.

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