Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center

What is Radiology?

If your doctor has ever ordered an imaging test to diagnose a medical problem, then you’ve experienced radiology. Radiology is broad term that encompasses a number of powerful diagnostic testing tools that help doctors treat everything from broken bones to cancer. 

This video explains some of the different types of radiology exams. Common tests include X-rays, PET scans, CAT scans, and MRIs. Doctors typically order a particular type of test and send patients to a radiology expert to carry out the exam.

At Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, our doctors rely on advanced imaging technology services and provide quality patient care. When you need diagnostic tests, make an appointment at our Dallas clinic by calling (888) 530-1053. 

Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center Earns ACR Accreditation

Dallas, Texas — Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. 

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 36,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services. 

The Truth about Common Mammogram Myths

Mammograms have the power to save lives. This incredibly important medical imaging test has helped catch countless cases of breast cancer in the early, treatable stages. Despite the importance of mammograms, harmful myths abound that keep women away from this lifesaving test. Here are some common mammogram myths and the truth behind them, so you can arm yourself with the facts about this imaging exam:

Mammograms Hurt Too Much

During a mammogram, the breast is compressed in a few different positions so X-rays can be taken from different perspectives. Many women don’t find the procedure uncomfortable at all. For others, the compression causes minor discomfort or a little bit of pain, but each compression only lasts for a few seconds. Most patients find the test completely tolerable. If you’re concerned about the pain, discuss the issue with the doctor or medical imaging tech. They can prescribe a skin-numbing gel to help you through the procedure.

You Only Need a Mammogram if Cancer Runs in the Family

A family history of breast cancer many increase your risk, but breast cancer can happen to anyone. In fact, up to 80% of breast cancer patients don’t have any family members with the disease. Mammograms are important imaging tests for all women to have, regardless of genetics.

Mammograms Don’t Catch Cancer in Dense Breasts

If you have dense breasts, mammograms should definitely be part of your healthcare regime. Dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer, and mammograms can and do detect tumors in this kind of breast tissue. Because dense tissue makes reading a mammogram a little more difficult, your doctor may recommend that you have an MRI or CT scan in addition to your mammogram – but never in place of it.

Take control of your health by following your doctor’s advice for mammograms. At Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, our compassionate team of imaging technologists will make the process simple, quick, and comfortable for you. We also offer MRIs, CT scans, and many other imaging tests. You can make an appointment by calling (888) 530-1053. 

Discover the Facts About Common Imaging Procedures with these Resources

Diagnostic imaging provides important medical data to determine a proper course of treatment for patients. These articles discuss some of the ways that imaging is used for medical care.

• Medical News Today explains the uses of a CT scan.
• Patients who undergo CT scans are generally awake during this painless procedure. The Mayo Clinic describes the CT scan process in more detail.
• X-rays are among the most widely used types of imaging tools. RadiologyInfo.org details how x-rays are used in healthcare.
• Women over the age of 40 are encouraged to get yearly mammograms, which are special x-rays used for the detection of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society further explains mammograms.
• Fluoroscopy allows a physician to see real-time, continuous images of a patient’s internal structure. This page from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration discusses how fluoroscopy works.

Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center offers superior imaging care for patients in the greater Dallas area. Our team of nurses and technicians can provide you with a comfortable and compassionate experience at our CT scan and MRI center. Call (888) 530-1053 or visit our website for more information on our extensive imaging services. 

The Answers to Your CT Scan Questions

Physicians frequently use imaging in order to provide their patients with accurate diagnoses. For instance, a CT scan is one kind of imaging tool often used for the evaluation of internal organs. If you have been told that you need a CT scan, you shouldn’t be alarmed. The following questions and answers can help you to better understand this imaging procedure: 

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan is a completely painless procedure that allows a physician to create a 3D image of the targeted treatment area. The CT scanner produces this image by taking multiple 2D images of the area from different angles. These images are then assembled into a 3D reconstruction of that structure or organ. Under some circumstances, a substance called a contrast material may be administered to produce clearer results.

Why do I need a CT scan?

CT scans have many uses. They are extremely beneficial for the detection of lung or liver cancer, or they can allow doctors to view the gastrointestinal region and identify potential problems. CT scans are frequently performed as a means of preparation for surgical procedures, or when an emergency requires immediate imaging.

What will happen during the CT scan?

CT scans are noninvasive procedures that result in minimal to no discomfort for the vast majority of patients. Though some patients receive a contrast material prior to the procedure, many individuals undergo CT scans without the need for one. Before the process begins, you may be asked to disrobe to allow for better imaging results. Then you will lie on a table that will move you into the CT scanner. For a few minutes, you will be required to be still as the device photographs the targeted area. Once completed, you are free to dress and leave.

Do you have further questions about the CT scan process? Call Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center at (888) 530-1053 for more information. The knowledgeable representatives at our Dallas imaging center can help familiarize you with the CT scan and other imaging machinery.