Imaging

Imaging Services are located within the North Memorial Outpatient Center in Robbinsdale.

Today, we have very exact imaging techniques that often make diagnosis possible without exploratory surgery.In order to see if a tumor is present, the doctor uses a variety of tests to get an image - or picture - of areas inside the body. In some cases, the doctor uses a special dye to make certain that the organs show up clearly on the film. The dye is either swallowed or put into the body through a needle or tube.

X-Rays
For many years, radiography (X-Ray) was the only tool available for doctors to get an image or picture of the inside of the body. In order to see the digestive system on X-rays, a contrast medium such as barium is used.

Computerized Axial Tomography Scans (CAT)
The newer and more precise version of the X-ray is the CAT scan. A computed axial tomography (tuh-mah-gruh-fee) scan is also called a "CT" or "CAT" scan which uses radiographic beams to create detailed computerized pictures. It is a painless test that takes pictures of the inside of the body. CT scans are especially good for showing bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels. An x-ray dye or contrast liquid may be used to help your body parts show up better in the pictures. You may need to drink the x-ray dye as a liquid about an hour before your CT scan is done. It takes this long for the liquid to coat your stomach and intestines. Or, you may be given the x-ray dye in an IV tube that is put into your vein. A CAT scan test usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Mammogram
A mammogram (mam-o-gram) is an x-ray of your breasts. It can find early cancers that are too small to be found during your breast self-exam. A mammogram may also be done to check a lump that was found during a breast self-exam or a checkup. A mammogram is safe. It uses about the same amount of radiation as an x-ray of your teeth. A diagnostic mammogram is used to diagnose breast disease in women who have symptoms. Screening mammograms are used to look for breast disease in women with no symptoms. The mammogram will take about 10 to 20 minutes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A magnetic resonance (rez-o-nuns) imaging scan is usually called an MRI. It is a painless test that takes pictures of the inside of the body. The MRI machine uses a large magnet, and a computer to make pictures of your body. Pictures taken this way can often help health care professionals find and see problems in the body more easily. Patients must lie completely still during the procedure for best results. An MRI test usually takes between 15 and 90 minutes.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound (ull-truh-sound) is a safe and painless test using sound waves to look at different parts of your body. Your internal organs (heart, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, uterus and bladder) can be examined with ultrasound. This test also looks at lymph nodes or blood vessels. Images (pictures) of the body part or area being tested show up on a TV-like screen and can be printed to paper. The images may help determine if a suspicious lump is solid or fluid.
Ultrasound images can show movement of internal organs. Ultrasound can also show blood flow. This is called a Doppler ultrasound. An ultrasound is not an x-ray and does not use radiation. An ultrasound test usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Positron emission tomography scan is also called a PET scan. It is a painless test used to look at different parts of your body to see how they are working. It shows how the body works, not just how it looks. It can show how much blood is flowing to an area of the body. And, the scan can show how well the tissues in that area are using nutrients such as oxygen. It can also show where medicines and chemicals go inside your body.
Multiple-gated Acquisition (MUGA) Scan
The multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan is an extremely useful tool for evaluating the function of the heart. The MUGA scan creates a moving image of the beating heart, and from this image your doctor can find out about the health of the cardiac ventricles (the areas of the heart that pump the blood).
During the MUGA test, a radioactive material is injected into the vein. A MUGA scan might be performed before and after receiving certain types of chemotherapy to monitor your heart's reaction.
Bone Scan
A bone scan is a total body scan looking for abnormalities in the bones. This scan is performed because a common place for some cancers to spread (metastasize) is to the bones. The scan involves having one injection of a radioactive substance called a radionuclide, but apart from that, it is painless. This radionuclide travels through the blood and collects in your bones. A large camera called a 'gamma camera' picks up any radioactivity, which tends to collect in areas where there is a lot of activity in the bone, called 'hot spots.' 'Activity' means the bone is breaking down, or repairing itself.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy procedures look inside the body through a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope. This flexible plastic tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted into body cavities and organs, allowing the doctor to view the suspicious area.
There are many types of scopes, each designed to view particular areas of the body such as colon, stomach, throat, lungs and vagina. At the same time you are having the endoscopy, the doctor can collect tissue or cells for closer examination (called a biopsy). The test will take 15 minutes to 90 minutes depending upon the type of test.
PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography)
PET/CT provides full Positron Emission Tomography and CT scanning ability. PET scanning involves the injection of an isotope which identifies areas of increased glucose activity. These areas of increased activity indicate rapid cell growth and potential tumors. Images from both exams can be fused to provide a high level of accuracy in diagnosing tumors.
Computerized Radiography (CR-general x-ray)
Electronic images have taken the place of film for imaging bone, chest and abdominal structures. An x-ray machine is used in combination with a CR unit to accomplish digital images that can be viewed on a monitor, printed on laser film or burned to a CD.
Digital Mammography
This latest technology for breast cancer screening produces digital images that can be far more accurate for some women. Digital images may be better for women who:
- Are younger than 50,
- Are pre-or peri-menopausal,
- Have very dense breast tissue.
About one-half of all women undergoing mammography fall into these categories. Resulting images are evaluated by a radiologist who can analyze the mammograms using computer-aided technology. The images can be modified using magnification and contrast enhancement for better visualization. In addition, the digital files allow mammograms to be electronically transmitted to another physician or location.
For more information on digital mammography at North Memorial, call 763-520-1733.
Digital Mammography