Last updated 2 days ago
If you’ve enjoyed our recent blog updates about biopsies and venous disease, take a look at these additional resources:
Venous Disease:
Biopsies:
For more information about biopsies and vein diseases, make an appointment with the specialists at Advanced Medical Imaging in Denver, CO. We specialize in all medical imaging, including mammograms, CTs, and MRIs. We also have a varicose vein treatment center. Call us at (303) 647-6504 to learn more about our services.
Last updated 5 days ago
At Advanced Medical Imaging, we hold true to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) guidelines for mammography and recommend yearly mammogram screening beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer. We offer a comprehensive breast center at our Diamond Hill location in Denver, CO.
We are contracted with most insurance carriers and offer great private pay rates for uninsured patients. For more information on our comprehensive breast center, please call our scheduling department at 303.433.9729 or visit us online at www.AMIColorado.com.
How does mammography work?
Mammography uses low dose radiation to look at the internal tissues of the breast. The goal of mammography is to find breast cancer before it can be felt.
Is mammography safe?
The benefits of mammography in patients over 40 years old far outweigh the small risk of radiation exposure. The risk of a single mammogram has been compared to risks encountered in everyday life and is about the same as driving 220 miles by car or smoking 1.5 cigarettes. The National Academy of Science has concluded that the "risk of breast cancer for women exposed to radiation at age 40 or older is negligible or nonexistent."
Who will perform my mammogram?
Our technologists are specially trained in mammography and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Who will interpret my mammogram?
All examinations are interpreted by radiologists certified by the American Board of Radiology. Our breast imaging radiologists far exceed the requirements made by the FDA for radiologists to interpret mammography examinations.
Do you use computer assistance when interpreting mammograms?
At Advanced Medical Imaging, we have the R2 Computer Aided Detection System. This computer system analyzes mammograms by searching for findings that may represent breast cancer and then highlights those areas for the radiologist. Use of the R2 "could result in earlier detection of up to 23.4% of the cancers currently detected with screening mammography in those women who had a prior screening mammogram 9-24 months earlier."
(FDA approved claim)
Will it hurt?
Compression of the breast is key to achieving a high quality image. Some women will experience discomfort during the examination. You may choose to schedule your mammogram at a time when your breasts are less tender, usually after your menstrual cycle. This should help reduce discomfort associated with the exam.
How long will my mammogram take?
The time varies but most screening mammograms require approximately 15 minutes and diagnostic mammograms require 30 minutes.
Is there more than one type of mammogram?
There are two types - screening and diagnostic. A screening mammogram is done in women who are not having any breast problems. A diagnostic mammogram is for women who are having certain breast symptoms (including a lump or certain types of discharge), have had a lumpectomy for breast cancer in the past 10 years or have had special follow-up recommended from previous mammograms.
Can I schedule this without an order?
No order is needed for screening patients who are 40 or older and have a referring physician to receive the results. Those patients under 40 or needing a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound do need to have an order from their physician.
When should I start thinking about having a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
What if I have had a mammogram at another facility?
If you are coming to Advanced Medical Imaging for the first time, we ask that you bring all pertinent information with you. This should include all old films with reports unless you have arranged for them to be sent beforehand. Having your old studies for comparison is very important as subtle changes may be the earliest findings of a breast cancer.
Last updated 9 days ago
Venous diseases are disorders of the veins that return oxygen-poor blood to the heart from the rest of the body. Venous disease occurs when the veins become abnormal in some way. Venous disease is a result of vein walls becoming too thin or can also be the result of valves not functioning properly. Malfunctioning valves causes blood to pool in the lower extremities. This can cause pain, swelling and ulcers. Left untreated, venous disease can lead to an array of other medical issues. Venous diseases range from the merely unsightly to the potentially deadly, including conditions such as:
· Spider veins: If a cluster of veins is very close to the surface of your skin, it may be visible. These are usually not painful and are considered cosmetic issues.
· Varicose veins: If a vein becomes twisted, it can become engorged and visible. This is known as a varicose vein. These are generally innocuous, but pain and swelling can happen occasionally and require medical treatment.
· Leg ulcers: When blood pools chronically in the leg, it can cause painful and unsightly ulcers. These ulcers can be treated by removing the blockage, thus allowing the blood to flow freely up the leg again.
· Chronic venous insufficiency: Years of chronic blood pooling can cause chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) due to leaky veins.
· Deep vein thrombosis: This refers to a clot in a deep vein that can become dislodged and travel to other parts of the body. A broken DVT can cause an embolus in an artery or a pulmonary embolism in the lungs. Deep vein thrombosis is very serious and should be treated immediately.
At Advanced Medical Imaging’s Vein Center in Denver , we use the latest in imaging technology to provide a full examination of your veins. We offer laser varicose and spider vein treatments as well as conservative vein therapies such as compression socks. To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please call (888) 420-4370.
Last updated 18 days ago
A biopsy is a procedure that obtains a sample of tissue for closer examination and testing. Usually, they will be performed on lumps, masses, or lesions. Biopsies are most commonly associated with screening for cancer, although they can also be performed to rule out infection or autoimmune disorder.
What can I expect from my biopsy?
In the past, surgery was required to examine tissues from inside the body, but modern technology allows doctors to use thin needles to collect cells for testing and analysis. Your doctor will use CT or MRI technologies to plan the best approach for your biopsy. At Advanced Medical Imaging, a specially trained doctor known as an interventional radiologist performs this procedure. During the procedure, the interventional radiologist inserts a small needle into the abnormal area and removes a sample of the tissue, which is given to a pathologist, who looks at it under a microscope. The pathologist can determine what the abnormal tissue is: cancer, non-cancerous tumor, infection or scar.
What is the procedure like and will it hurt?
Your interventional radiologist will first use some form of imaging such as CT or ultrasound to determine the best approach for the biopsy. Next, this specially trained doctor will wash the area where the needle biopsy is going to be performed and put local anesthetic in the skin and deeper tissues to numb the area. Occasionally an intravenous line will be started, so that the interventional radiologist can give you fluids and medicines during your biopsy.
The interventional radiologist will then put a small needle into the mass or lump. This doctor will take X-ray, CT, ultrasound, or mammogram images of the biopsy area during the procedure. These images will help the radiologist put the needle in exactly the right place. You usually feel some pressure during the procedure. The interventional radiologist will use the biopsy needle to remove a tiny piece of tissue or some cells from the mass. A needle biopsy usually takes about one hour. The tissue (or cell) sample is sent to a pathologist, who will examine the tissue or cells under a microscope. Usually, the results of the biopsy are ready in two to three days.
What can I expect after the biopsy?
A needle biopsy has few risks because such a small needle is used. Less than one percent of patients develop bleeding or infection. Our team at Advanced Medical Imaging will discuss the risks of your biopsy with you in detail before the procedure. Depending on how invasive your biopsy was, you will be monitored for a few hours after the biopsy, but most people can return home soon after the procedure. The biopsied site may be somewhat sore in the days following the biopsy.
At Advanced Medical Imaging, our trained professionals want to make your biopsy experience go as smoothly as possible. We also perform mammograms, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays and other services at our imaging center. To make an appointment or learn more about our different radiology services and facilities, call (303) 647-6504 or contact us online . We have medical imaging clinics in Denver, Boulder, Thornton, Louisville and Golden, Colorado.
Last updated 23 days ago
Mammograms have saved countless women from breast cancer due to early detection and prompt treatment. However, some women are opting for MRIs instead. This video explores the benefits of both imaging technologies.
According to a four-year study, women should start with a mammogram, the frontline of early detection. Some women may require digital mammograms due to dense breast tissue. Abnormal results may require an MRI, especially if you’ve already had cancer.
At Advanced Medical Imaging, we can help you select the screening method that will best serve your individual needs. We offer MRIs, CTs, mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and more. If you live Denver, Boulder, Louisville, Thornton or Golden then contact Advanced Medical Imaging and schedule your appointment today by calling (303) 647-6504.
