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.
Another type of digital imaging is called Nuclear Medicine, which may require scans of the kidneys, lungs, bones, heart and brain. A radiologist can introduce small amounts of radioactive material into the body through radio-pharmaceutical drugs to identify abnormalities, disease progression and organ functioning. The primary uses of radiology nuclear testing are in cancer and thyroid disease assessment. In some cases, nuclear medicines may be administered to treat these diseases too because of radioactive materials’ unique ability to move directly to a localized area.
Digital imaging has become commonplace among medical professionals, but it may not continue to be so widespread. A Government Accountability Office report revealed that Medicare spending for imaging services doubled to $13.8 billion from 2000 through 2006. Some recent health care reform proposals have included limiting the number of scans performed on patients. Part of the problem, legislators say, is that patients are scanned by a new set of practitioners time and time again, instead of having their electronic records transferred over to the new set of physicians.
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