What is a CT Scan?

This ingenious device takes a picture of cross sections of the body. The CT (which stands for Computerized Tomography) makes it possible for physicians to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more accurately. Since early diagnosis is the key to the successful treatment of several diseases, this technology can be a lifesaver.

The CT Scan is really just an x-ray that is enhanced by a computer, and results in a three-dimensional view of a particular part of the body. The scan can clearly show both bone and soft tissue.

The CT scan is painless and non-invasive. The patient lies on a couch-like table. The table then slides through a doughnut-shaped area as the x-rays are taken. Depending on the type of scan to be done, the patient may drink or be injected with a contrast material (which usually contains iodine). The most important job for the patient is to lie completely still during the procedure.

CT scans, like other advanced diagnostic technology, are part of the tools the physician needs to make more accurate diagnoses.

Why do I need a Prostate Exam?

A simple blood test, the PSA test, is the best tool currently available for detecting prostate cancer in its earliest and most curable stages. Since prostate cancer usually progresses slowly and produces no symptoms in its initial stages, early testing can be a lifesaver. Warning signs may include difficult, painful or frequent urination.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men have an annual, digital rectal exam beginning at age 40. In addition, men 50 years and older should have an annual PSA blood test.

The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society recommend an annual rectal exam for men over age 40. Most experts agree that the best way to detect prostate cancer is a combination of a rectal exam and the PSA test.

Prostate cancer will affect one in 17 men and is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. According to the American Cancer Society, 89 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis, and 63 percent survive ten years. If the cancer is discovered while still localized, the five-year relative survival rate (a measure used to monitor persons who are living five years after diagnosis) is nearly 100 percent. About 58 percent of prostate cancers are discovered at this stage.

Just because everything seems okay does not necessarily mean that it is. Having an annual exam could be the wisest thing you do this year.

Osteoporosis Screening

The bone density exam is a test to detect the early stages of osteoporosis, a painful, disfiguring disease of the bones that causes fractures, loss of height, back pain, and curvature of the spine. Early detection of the disease is the best hope for a positive treatment. With the densitometer, most hospitals offer women the latest technology to determine if they have osteoporosis.

The simple pain-free x-ray measures bone density. The test gives a computer-generated image of the region scanned, which is usually the areas of most common fracture sites; assigns a bone mineral density value to your bones; and compares the density of your bones to other women your age and to the bones of healthy adult women.

Results of the X-ray are then interpreted by a physician who is specially-trained and certified by the Society for Clinical Densitometry. The results are then relayed to the woman’s personal physician.

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis gives the patient the opportunity to make lifestyle changes or take medication that may slow down, stop, or prevent the progress of the disease. The test measures changes in the density of your bones to help your physician determine the best treatment for prevention of the disease and assist the doctor in assessing your risk for osteoporosis or future osteoporosis-related fractures.

The bone density exam uses very low dose radiation; in fact, less than the radiation received in an hour of direct West Texas sunshine. The dosage is so low that neither the technician nor the room need be shielded during the procedure.

The patient lies fully clothed on the densitometer for about 15 minutes. The test is painless and very comfortable - and can greatly aid the preservation of your future health if followed up with treatment.

Check Back Soon For Informaiton on the Following

• EEG's
• EKG's
• Heart Stress Tests
• Mammograms
• MRI's
• Nuclear Medicine