Radiology in Las Vegas: Types of Imaging and What to Expect

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Posted: Jun 16th, 2022 at 06:01PM - by Ashlee Arnold/Vice President

Medical professionals have relied on imaging tools for years to better look at what’s going on inside their patients. Radiology, in particular, has played an instrumental role in the early detection and treatment of diseases. With the advent of new technology, various imaging modalities can now allow physicians to see different things, including the body's structure, function, and pathology.

Imaging centers across the world provide these services to patients who need them, and radiology in Las Vegas can be performed through several imaging exams offered by e7 Health, including mammograms and chest x-rays.

What is Radiology?

Radiology is the area of medicine that studies and practices imaging human anatomy and physiology using various types of radiation. Radiology allows doctors to see inside the human body without making a single incision. Images provided by exams are used to inspect different organs, bones, and tissue and can help physicians evaluate and treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

Doctors who specialize in radiology are called radiologists. They often work alongside other medical professionals such as surgeons, oncologists, and primary care physicians, to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Radiology's role in medicine has grown significantly over the years. Because of the wide range of exams that can be performed, radiology is now used in almost every area of medicine. It's a crucial tool in improving patient outcomes for years to come.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is a specific type of radiologic exam that makes use of a small number of x-rays to produce images of the breast tissue. Mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer and can often detect tumors that are too small to be felt during a physical exam.

Mammograms are an important tool in detecting breast cancer before it causes any symptoms. They've been shown to reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer by as much as 41%. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women get a mammogram every year, beginning at the age of 45.

Why it's Important to Get a Mammogram

While breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, it can happen to anyone at any age beyond puberty. That's why it's crucial for all women to be familiar with the symptoms of breast cancer, perform regular self-breast exams, and undergo routine mammograms.

Mammograms can also be used to monitor changes in the breast tissue of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. By tracking these changes, doctors can determine if a patient's treatment plan is working or if cancer has returned.

What are the Risks of Mammograms?

Mammograms are considered to be very safe. The risk of being exposed to harmful radiation levels from a mammogram is extremely low, and the benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks.

As with any radiologic procedure, there is also a small risk that the mammogram could miss an area of concern. This is why women need to be familiar with their breast tissue and report any changes to their doctor.

What to Expect During a Mammogram

Mammograms are quick and easy, and the entire exam usually takes less than 30 minutes.

During the exam, you will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. You will then be positioned in front of the mammogram machine, and your breast tissue will be compressed between two plastic plates.

The compression may be slightly uncomfortable, but it's vital to get clear images of the breast tissue.

Once the compression is released, you will be asked to wait while the radiologist reviews the images. If any additional views are needed, you will be asked to position yourself differently, and the test will be performed again.

What is a Chest X-ray?

Another common radiology procedure is a chest x-ray. This exam uses low-dose radiation to image the inside of the chest, including the lungs, heart, bones of the spine and chest, and airways.

Chest x-rays are often used to diagnose pneumonia, lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions. They can also be used to check for heart problems, such as congestive heart failure, and evaluate the lungs' health after a patient has had surgery.

Why it's Important to Get a Chest X-ray

Chest x-rays are an important tool in diagnosing and treating several conditions. They can often detect problems early when they are most treatable and are also used to track if a certain treatment plan is effective or not.

You might be prescribed a chest x-ray if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• difficulty breathing.
• a cough that won't go away.
• chest discomfort.
• coughing up blood.

It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations for getting a chest x-ray.

What are the Risks of Chest X-rays?

Chest x-rays are considered low-risk and non-invasive procedures. X-ray equipment only uses a very low amount of radiation to create images, and the risks of chest x-rays are generally outweighed by the benefits.

What to Expect During a Chest X-ray

A chest x-ray is a quick and easy procedure that takes less than 15 minutes. You will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry from the waist up, and you will be given a lead apron to wear during the exam. The lead apron protects your body from the low amount of radiation used during the exam.

You will then be positioned in front of the x-ray machine and asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are being taken.

Radiology in Las Vegas

If you're looking for a radiology center in Las Vegas, look no further than e7 Health. Our two locations offer a full range of imaging services reviewed by experienced radiologists, including mammography and chest x-rays. Contact us today or book an appointment online to get started.

At e7 Health, we understand that getting a mammogram or chest x-ray can be anxiety-inducing. That's why our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to get an imaging exam, which is included in our well-being and executive physicals. We're here to answer any questions you might have.

Don't wait to get the imaging care you need. Contact e7 Health today.

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