Gold Coast MRI

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging system that is used for the diagnosis and examination of a patient’s internal body structure. Using a strong magnetic field combined with radio waves, an MRI scan is able to generate images that are more detailed than those produced by x-ray machines, ultrasound, or CT scans. When trying to diagnose a sports injury, for example, doctors can use MRI scans to more accurately examine the tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and joints of a patient. MRI can also help in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions such as tumors, strokes, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, eye problems, inner ear problems, and issues with the spinal cord.

One of the best things about using magnetic resonance imaging systems is their capability to detect, examine, and produce detailed images of soft tissue and the nervous system. Of course, being able to collect all of these information without exposing a patient to radiation is also a huge plus. An MRI scan can help diagnose the condition of organs such as the pancreas, liver, kidneys, prostate (for men), and breasts and ovaries (for women). There is also a special MRI test called a functional MRI (fMRI) which can map brain activity by analyzing the flow of blood to examine which areas of the brain become active when doing specific tasks.

A patient undergoing Gold Coast mri scan typically won’t have to do any special preparations beforehand. If you’re scheduled for an abdominal or pelvic MRI, however, you may be asked to skip eating or drinking for three to four hours beforehand. Additionally, to make it easier for everyone involved, you might want to avoid wearing any metal objects or jewelry when you’re scheduled for an appointment. Otherwise, you’ll be requested to remove all earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other metal objects on your body. You will also be asked to fill out a checklist to indicate if you’re wearing a pacemaker, cochlear implants, prosthetics, or metal plates/rods.

Women patients may be asked if they are wearing any copper IUDs. Although copper is relatively safe to wear during an MRI, doctors will still need to adjust the strength of the magnetic field to account for the metal inside the patient’s body. Typically, an MRI scan will run at 3.0 Tesla units (the measurement for MRI strength). For a patient wearing a copper IUD, the strength will usually need to be adjusted down to around 1.5 Tesla.

It is also advisable for women who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant to inform their doctor beforehand. Medical science hasn’t yet fully understood the exact effects of MRI scanning on a fetus inside the womb, therefore the physician might recommend alternative tests instead of an MRI, or postpone the test altogether until the patient gives birth.

For patients who are concerned about their first Gold Coast mri exam, they should rest assured that the procedure is painless, does not use any radiation, and is non-invasive. The MRI scanner is basically a big metal tube with a table or bed. The patient will lie down on the table, which will then slide inside the tube so the examination can start. Some “knocking” noises will be heard during the exam, so the patient will typically be provided with earplugs or muffs to soften or deaden the noise.

Mammogram Gold Coast

While a mammogram cannot prevent breast cancer, it can detect cancer as early as possible, thus can save lives. Mammography that finds breast cancer early has also indicated that many women are able to keep their breasts as they are being treated for it. This is because you can treat localized cancer without the need to have a mastectomy (breast removal) when detected early.

Mammograms are procedures that can save your life due to breast cancer. Catching this disease early reduces the occurrence of death by up to 30%. At age 40, women should undergo a mammogram Gold Coast procedure every year, particularly if they are at high risk. Mammography can be completed for about 20 minutes. For most patients, they experience minimal discomfort. The procedure is fast and safe. You will slightly be exposed to radiation. Choose a center that can give you the results before you leave to relieve the stress and tension of waiting for your result.

For women under the age of 50 or have dense breasts, they may opt for a digital mammogram. Doctors use a computer for this digital procedure so that they can enlarge certain parts when inspecting them more closely. Why yearly? This is because if you discover the early stage of breast cancer, you can find treatment options and have a better chance of survival. You may also complete treatment as an outpatient if there is early detection. It can also prevent aggressive treatment.

You need to consider your own risk with breast cancer when talking with your physician about having a mammogram. This includes your breast density. You are more likely to acquire breast cancer if you have denser breasts. The mammogram Gold Coast may be unable to spot cancer fast. Your genes can also play a factor. Unfortunately, breast cancer can be inherited by up to 10 percent from your mother. These are commonly acquired from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Your family history also plays a role; the risk of breast cancer increases if you have a sister, daughter, or mother with this disease.

You should also consider age, cancer histories if any, and if you have had any kind of hormone therapy. If you are having hormone therapy, this increases your risk of breast cancer, particularly after menopause. As for age, 55-year-old or older women are more likely to acquire an aggressive type of breast cancer. And of course, if you have had cancer in one breast, there is a high probability to develop it again in your other breast or the same breast for that matter by up to four times.

Newer advancements in scans, including tomosynthesis and molecular breast imaging, may increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of the disease, lessening the risk of false-positive outcomes. This is because can produce a three-dimensional image of your breast. After the mammogram, you can immediately continue your daily routine. You doctor will receive the results of your mammogram. After that, the physician will discuss your test results and what additional tests you may need. You may not wait for long for the results; call the facility and your doctor to obtain confirmation of your mammogram Gold Coast results.