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 Mammography
is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system for
examining the breasts. Most medical experts agree that
successful treatment of breast cancer often
is linked to early diagnosis.
Mammography plays a central part in early detection
of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to
two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Imaging
of the breast improves a physician's ability to detect small
tumors. When cancers are small, women have more treatment
options and a cure is more likely.
Every day, physicians use x-rays to view and evaluate
bone fractures and other injuries of the musculoskeletal system. However,
a plain x-ray test is not the best way to assess bone density. To
detect osteoporosis accurately, doctors use
an enhanced form of x-ray technology called dual-energy x-ray bone
density (Dexa) scanning. DXA
is a quick, painless procedure for measuring bone loss.
Dexa bone densitometry is most often used to diagnose
osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause
but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss
of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and
more likely to break. The DXA test can also assess your risk for developing
fractures.
Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you:
- are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
- have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
- are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches)
or thin (less than 125 pounds).
- are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
- use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including
corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications
such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid
replacement drugs.
- have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes,
liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
- have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive
collagen in urine samples.
- have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthroidism..
- have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
- have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of
osteoporosis
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Call 609-599-5163 to schedule an appointment.
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