Medical Blog- Lotus Imaging

Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible. The value of screening mammograms was questioned when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that routine screening mammograms for women with an average risk of breast cancer should start at age 50 instead of age 40. The recommended changes were very controversial and were not universally adopted. Finding breast cancers early with mammography has also meant that many more women being treated for breast cancer are able to keep their breasts. When caught early, localized cancers can be removed without resorting to breast removal. The main risk of mammograms is that they aren’t perfect. Normal breast tissue can hide breast cancer so that it doesn’t show up on the mammogram. This is called a false negative. And mammography can identify and abnormality that looks like cancer but turns out to be normal. This “false alarm” is called a false positive. Besi...

Wernher Von Braun, who with his team launched the first American satellite into space, said “One test is worth a thousand expert opinions.” With today’s advanced imaging technology, radiologists can take “one picture” of the entire inside of your body which is comparable to “a thousand expert opinions.” Until recently, whole body screening was performed using a Computed Tomography (CT) scanner which has its benefits, but also requires the use of ionizing radiation to acquire the images. Advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners now allow physicians to perform the same whole body scan, but without ionizing radiation. A whole body scan looks at the body from head to toe in order to find cancers, inflammation or obstructive processes in the body. In the head the exam can show brain masses, shrinkage, old strokes the sinuses and nasal cavities. In the neck, abnormalities in the lymph nodes thyroids masses or arthritis in the cervical spine can be identified. In th...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI is a gentle, radiation-free way to examine children and adults for tumors heart problems and more. This non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields and radio waves, making it a safe way to evaluate most parts of the body. MRIs do not usually require special physical preparation. However if a little one is scheduled to undergo a MRI, they may feel nervous or afraid, so as a parent, you may want to take steps to prepare your child mentally. It helps to explain the entire process to your child beforehand including letting them know which part of their body will be examined. Be honest and use simple terms like these: The MRI machine is like a camera. It takes pictures of the inside of your body. It’s a magnet that looks like a giant donut or spaceship with a tunnel inside. You will lie flat on a table that will go inside the machine to take pictures. If contrast fluid is required, the fluid is like a highlighter that goes in the body so th...