Diagnostic Imaging Helps Facilitate Healing
Until doctors themselves are equipped with X-ray vision, there’s a good chance you’ll need to undergo a diagnostic imaging test at one point or another.
It will help your physician determine the cause of your internal symptoms—whether it’s a worn hip, a suspicious lump or chest pain. With today’s technology, your doctor can get answers about what is going on deep inside your body earlier than ever before. And that’s good news for you.
“The real key is early diagnosis,” said Dr. Oliver C. Hunter, a radiologist at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital. “If you’re treated earlier, you’re likely to have a better recovery.”
Which Test is Which?
Each Imaging technology provides a different view of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal when it comes to soft tissue, such as determining what might be going on inside a sore knee, hamstring, shoulder or other joint or muscle. It also provides clear pictures of the spine and brain.
Earlier this year, the Imaging Services Department at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital added the state-of-the-art Magnetom Skyra 3T MRI machine to its array of technologically advanced imaging equipment. The scanner—the most powerful MRI in operation in Baytown—utilizes a larger and more powerful magnet and provides radiologists with sharper, higher quality images to aid in providing for a more precise diagnosis of a variety of conditions and assist in the development of better treatment plans for patients.
“The 3T allows us to do more detailed and faster imaging and more sensitive neurological and cardiac imaging,” Hunter said. “The upgrade to the 3T is exciting because it allows for faster performance, better resolution, more detailed imaging and a wider range of applications.”
An X-ray is best for viewing bones for fractures, teeth for cavities and the chest for pneumonia. Mammography is a form of low-dose X-ray to examine breasts for cancer. Patients at Houston Methodist San Jacinto can take advantage of the technological advances realized by 3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), which studies show produces a 40 percent improvement in detection rates of invasive tumors and also greatly decreases the “false alarm” rate.
Patients also benefit from the expertise of Dr. Hannah L. Chung, a fellowship trained breast imaging specialist, who joined the staff of the Baytown hospital in September. A breast radiologist is trained to read mammograms and all the imaging modalities that pertain to detecting and diagnosing breast conditions, which can lead to improved breast cancer survival rates, fewer recalls and more accurate diagnosis.
Ultrasound is best known for getting an early glimpse of a baby in utero, but it can also help assess internal organs for damage. Positron emission tomography (PET) is often used to check for cancer and monitor its spread. For years, computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate internal trauma and to detect cancer, but a newer version of the technology can identify plaque buildup in the arteries in the heart. The 64-slice CT creates a 3D image by overlaying 64 X-rays on top of one another. “It creates a 3D picture within seconds,” Hunter said.
The Imaging Services Department at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital recently began offering appointments on Saturdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to provide more convenient options for patients. Call 281.428.2273 to schedule an appointment.
About Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital has provided Baytown and East Houston with quality medical care since opening its doors in 1948. The hospital has grown throughout the years with the community, providing comprehensive care at all stages of life. As a health care leader, the hospital is proud to have a fully integrated residency program focused on educating and inspiring future practitioners. Today, Houston Methodist San Jacinto provides some of the most advanced and innovative procedures while never losing focus on compassionate and patient-centered care. For more information about Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sanjacinto.
It will help your physician determine the cause of your internal symptoms—whether it’s a worn hip, a suspicious lump or chest pain. With today’s technology, your doctor can get answers about what is going on deep inside your body earlier than ever before. And that’s good news for you.
“The real key is early diagnosis,” said Dr. Oliver C. Hunter, a radiologist at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital. “If you’re treated earlier, you’re likely to have a better recovery.”
Which Test is Which?
Each Imaging technology provides a different view of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is ideal when it comes to soft tissue, such as determining what might be going on inside a sore knee, hamstring, shoulder or other joint or muscle. It also provides clear pictures of the spine and brain.
Earlier this year, the Imaging Services Department at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital added the state-of-the-art Magnetom Skyra 3T MRI machine to its array of technologically advanced imaging equipment. The scanner—the most powerful MRI in operation in Baytown—utilizes a larger and more powerful magnet and provides radiologists with sharper, higher quality images to aid in providing for a more precise diagnosis of a variety of conditions and assist in the development of better treatment plans for patients.
“The 3T allows us to do more detailed and faster imaging and more sensitive neurological and cardiac imaging,” Hunter said. “The upgrade to the 3T is exciting because it allows for faster performance, better resolution, more detailed imaging and a wider range of applications.”
An X-ray is best for viewing bones for fractures, teeth for cavities and the chest for pneumonia. Mammography is a form of low-dose X-ray to examine breasts for cancer. Patients at Houston Methodist San Jacinto can take advantage of the technological advances realized by 3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), which studies show produces a 40 percent improvement in detection rates of invasive tumors and also greatly decreases the “false alarm” rate.
Patients also benefit from the expertise of Dr. Hannah L. Chung, a fellowship trained breast imaging specialist, who joined the staff of the Baytown hospital in September. A breast radiologist is trained to read mammograms and all the imaging modalities that pertain to detecting and diagnosing breast conditions, which can lead to improved breast cancer survival rates, fewer recalls and more accurate diagnosis.
Ultrasound is best known for getting an early glimpse of a baby in utero, but it can also help assess internal organs for damage. Positron emission tomography (PET) is often used to check for cancer and monitor its spread. For years, computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate internal trauma and to detect cancer, but a newer version of the technology can identify plaque buildup in the arteries in the heart. The 64-slice CT creates a 3D image by overlaying 64 X-rays on top of one another. “It creates a 3D picture within seconds,” Hunter said.
The Imaging Services Department at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital recently began offering appointments on Saturdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to provide more convenient options for patients. Call 281.428.2273 to schedule an appointment.
About Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital has provided Baytown and East Houston with quality medical care since opening its doors in 1948. The hospital has grown throughout the years with the community, providing comprehensive care at all stages of life. As a health care leader, the hospital is proud to have a fully integrated residency program focused on educating and inspiring future practitioners. Today, Houston Methodist San Jacinto provides some of the most advanced and innovative procedures while never losing focus on compassionate and patient-centered care. For more information about Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sanjacinto.