Images Diagnostic Center

If you know, the prostate gland is a small, soft structure. It is in the shape of a walnut. It lies deep in the pelvis. Furthermore, its function is to help liquefy semen. MRI of the prostate means that to create an image of the prostate and the surrounding tissues. It is usually recommended having more detailed pictures of the prostate gland.

How to prepare for prostate MRI ?

Well, there are no special preparations needed for this type of scan. One should not forget to take their regular medications. Some may be advised for a liquid diet 24 hours before the scan. As the examination begins, the technologist will ask a series of questions to be on the safe side. Are there any metal implants ? Artificial joints, electronic devices, or pacemakers. Because they can be damaged during the process of MRI.

 If you have any such implants, take your documents with yourself. Tell the radiologist about the practice that you are having. Keep the technologist on the same page. If you are claustrophobic, then please discuss this issue with the doctor.

What is the process of prostate MRI?

The patient will be asked to lie down on a table into a hospital gown. Sometimes during a prostate MRI used an endorectal coil as a part of the scan. It helps to provide high quality images of the prostate and the surrounding area. MRI machines use loud thumping noises, so you will be given ear plugs. The scan usually takes around 30 minutes. One is required to lie gently and smoothly during the scan. You are not advised to hold on to your breath or have any special movement or else the pictures will be created blurred.

There are no side effects of the prostate MRI scan. If you were given a sedative, then you might be drowsy for some time. You will need someone to drive you home or lie down at the diagnostic center itself.

DEXA scan is a kind of test to measure the strength of the bones. One of the major causes to have this test is to find and treat serious bone loss. Prevention of osteoporosis and the follow-up treatments of the same requires this procedure.

Who should get a bone-density test(فحص كثافة العظام ) ?

Women over 65 and men over 70 are advised to have this type of test. They are people who are at moderate risk of fracture, and this type of procedure will help to rule and change the patient's care plan.

 Some major risk factors include-

Breaking a bone in a minor/major accident.

Low body weight.

Using corticosteroids for three months.

Drinking and smoking heavily.

History of rheumatoid arthritis.

A follow-up with the bone density tests will be required.

How can one keep their bones strong?

Build your bone by the following methods-

Exercise - The exercise that makes your bone carry weight. When one walks, the bones carry the weight of the whole body. Lift weights. The aim should be to do at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercises a day.

 Make sure to get enough doses of healthy calcium and vitamin D.

 Aim to get around 1200 mg of calcium every day. Include foods that are rich in calcium such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables etc.

Take vitamin D if a woman is in menopause or one gets little sun. 800IU a day is beneficial.

Limit smoking and alcohol - Make sure to keep the two things in moderation, as they speed up bone loss. Limit yourself when you are drinking or smoking in excess. A gentle reminder is the key.

 Most people do not face serious bone loss-They have mild bone loss or have osteopenia. Risk of breaking a bone is very low, and they will not be required for the test. Exercising regularly and plenty of calcium will do the job very well.

The bone density has very few risks- It uses a small amount of radiation, and the radiation exposure can add up with time. It is best to avoid it when one can avoid it.

If you are wondering, What are Mammograms(الماموجرام)  ? (Keep reading). It is an important tool devised to screen the breasts and look out for any abnormalities. Though, A Mammogram alone cannot look for anything suspicious, but it definitely aids the imaging test process.

A Mammogram has limitations, and it’s sensitivity and specificity can be influenced by numerous factors- occasionally leading to incorrect or false diagnosis.

First thing first, an abnormal mammogram(تصوير الثدي غير الطبيعي) does not mean cancer. An abnormal mammogram must be investigated to make sure if there is nothing serious. If any abnormalities are seen on the mammogram, the patient is asked to do multiple other follow- up tests.

 It is often done as soon as possible so that the right treatment can be started and initiated right away. A follow-up will involve a diagnostic mammogram so that the detailed pictures and images of the abnormal area can be speculated.

 Some other tests can include-

 The abnormal area needs to be evaluated with an  mammogram ultrasound.

 An initial MRI scan to know if the X-ray was inconclusive or further testing is needed.

 Removing a piece of tissue to look at the small piece of tissue under a microscope

Types of Mammograms

 Screening Mammograms- it is usually done when there are no problems or concerns with the breasts. It is a type of mammogram that is done during the annual or biannual breast test. Therefore, this test can detect the presence of cancer in the absence of any signs or symptoms present with the patient.

 A Diagnostic Mammogram will look at the specific area of any breast. This screening is done for several reasons. Some of them are as follows-

  A breast that has lump or any symptoms of cancer

- to evaluate a specific area of the breast

- to further evaluate an area that is being treated for cancer

 A Mammogram has limitations, and it’s sensitivity and specificity can be influenced by numerous factors- occasionally leading to incorrect or false diagnosis.  A Mammogram has limitations, and it’s sensitivity and specificity can be influenced by numerous factors- occasionally leading to incorrect or false diagnosis.

Getting regular early screening will result in the most effective results and solutions. The goal of these screening tests like mammograms is to test for breast cancer and look out for the possible symptoms like lump in the breasts. If you know, Screening is nothing but tests and exams used to find a disease earlier.Mammogram procedure does not take longer than 20 minutes. 

 Some of the most prominent guidelines for women.

Women are at an average risk for breast cancer if she doesn’t have a history of breast cancer in her family. Basically the genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer.

Abnormal mammograms(التصوير الشعاعي للثدي)  can result in other screenings to determine the cause of the symptoms.

 Women between 40-44 years of age must start their screening with a mammogram every year.

Women 45- 54 years of age must get mammograms every year.

Women over 55 years of age and older must switch to mammograms every other year.

All women must understand the advantages and effectiveness of the mammograms so that necessary precautions can be taken beforehand.

Women usually are familiar with how a breast usually looks and if there are any changes it must be noted to the health care official immediately so that a proper checkup and diagnosis can follow up.

Women who are at high level risk of breast cancer must acknowledge and look out for a mammogram test every year , starting at the age of 30 years.

 This includes-

Having  BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

Knowing a first- degree relative (parent , brother or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

Received Chest radiation therapy when between the age of 10 and 30 years.

There are several risk assessment tools which can be used by the health professionals to estimate breast cancer’s risk earlier.Different tools are used to estimate different types of factors and risks. Two models can be used easily and give different estimates about the same person. The risk assessment tools are- Family history in the first degree relative (parents, siblings, and children) and also the second degree relative on both side of the family such (as aunts and cousins) to decide if a woman should opt for screening or not.

Digital x-rays (الأشعة السينية الرقمية) were introduced in the mid 1980s and are a common form of diagnostic imaging. It is an invaluable tool for many types of diagnostic purposes.

Fast Processing Time- Digital x-rays take comparatively less time to get the images ready. This is usually because one had to wait in the darkroom before the images were ready and available for viewing. But now images are produced instantly- productivity for both the doctor and the patient has increased and improved.

Better Image Quality- To make the diagnosis better and start a proper treatment, clarity was needed. With the emergence of digital- X-rays, the image quality is higher than the traditional film. The irregularities that were missed on the film earlier would not be missed now on the digital film. Hence, the image quality is good.

Demands less resources-  Digital X-rays require one time investment of purchasing the needed equipment and regular maintenance. The labor cost of the clinics is low to develop digital X-ray. 

Expect less radiation Exposure- Modern patients are more aware and concerned about the kind of treatment one needs to go through, especially the amount of radiation one is exposed during x-rays. Well, Digital X-Rays reduce radiation exposure around 75% and due to the accuracy retakes are not necessary.

 Easy to use- Minimal training is required to operate on a digital x-ray machine. It is much simpler and straightforward compared to the conventional x-rays. The images can be stored on a protected hard drive to limit accessibility and the chance of misplacing them.

A CT scan ( الاشعة المقطعية) is basically a combination of a series of X-Ray  images taken at varied different angles. Magnetic Resonance Imaging - a scan that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce more detailed images of the human body. Soft tissues and bones easily get seen in MRI.

 A CT Scan works by producing multiple x-rays at various angles and then finally produced to form a three- dimensional image of whichever organ the doctor wants to examine whereas MRI uses and sends radio waves into the body. The energy emitted through the on and off of radio frequency sends a signal to the computer and then the computer produces images

 Some key differences between MRI and CT Scan are as follows-

MRI scans are expensive than CT Scan

MRIs do not use radiation while CT Scans do use ionizing radiation

 MRIs provide a more detailed picture compared to the CT Scans.

CT scans are quicker than MRIs

 CT scans and MRIs both are painless. MRIs are reserved for non-emergency situations, whereas CT scans are done for quicker results to help to know the cause of pain in certain parts of the body. Most current MRI machines do not scan the brain quickly to help to determine the cause of stroke in that case doctors would recommend a CT Scan. 

When an athlete has injured an ankle he/she may be ordered to get a CT Scan of the ankle to rule out if there is a fracture or not but if there isn’t the doctor may ask the person for an MRI to get the detailed damage that has occurred to the injured area. 

MRI is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that usually affect the soft tissues. 

Preparing for an MRI scan(التصوير بالرنين المغناطيسي)  is essentially important as there are some things to be kept in mind while getting an MRI done for the first time. 

Let’s check them out.

Check your medical conditions before getting an MRI scan done.

Metal objects (كائنات معدنية) can be affected by the magnetic field that is created during an MRI. One must tell the doctor about any internal device or implant such as the heart pacemaker, metal pins and the use of a medication pump. It is advisable not to have an MRI scan if one has a heart pacemaker implanted. 

Pregnant Women must always consider their doctor's advice before getting an MRI. They should not have an MRI in the first trimester unless there are more benefits than the potential risks. 

Fasting is important for a pelvic or abdominal MRI scan in other cases it is not necessary to avoid foods or drinks. 

Some patients find enclosed spaces terrible. Talk to the doctor if any such thing gets you in flight or fight mode. Claustrophobic patients can opt for open MRI (افتح التصوير بالرنين المغناطيسي) scan.

Most of the children are given anti- anxiety medicine prior to the procedure so that they can relax.

Removing all the metal objects before the scan is an important step as metal and electronic items can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI Unit.

The above are some of the things that you must know while entering the unit to get an MRI Scan done. There are no long -term undesirable risks associated with MRI. In fact MRIs are considerably safer than X-rays as they don’t use ionizing rays to produce pictures and images of the interior body.