High-Tech Scanning for Your Health

Peninsula Imaging utilizes the latest screening technologies to help physicians detect and treat medical conditions

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

Peninsula Imaging is a premier, full-service imaging center located in Salisbury at the Woodbrooke Medical Complex. Their services include 3T MRI, low-dose CT, PET/CT, 3D mammography, diagnostic x-ray, ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, bone density, fluoroscopy, FibroScan and advanced body-composition scan. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the low-dose CT screening services available at Peninsula Imaging. Low-dose CT (computed tomography) is an imaging process used to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. CT uses x-rays and computer technology to make cross-sectional images of the body. A series of x-ray pictures, each a thin slice, are put together in a computer to form a three-dimensional view of the inside of the body. If an x-ray is like looking at a photo of a heart, a CT scan is like looking at a model that you can pick up and examine from any angle. CT scans are used to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Medical imaging exams have been directly linked to greater life expectancy, declines in cancer mortality rates, and are generally less expensive than the invasive procedures that they replace. 

Low-dose lung cancer screening, virtual colonoscopy and coronary CTA are low-dose CT screening exams performed at Peninsula Imaging, which are alternatives to invasive procedures.

Low-dose lung cancer screening produces high-resolution 3D images of the lungs in just a few seconds to identify signs of lung cancer. The goal of annual lung cancer screening is to detect lung cancer at a small size and before it has spread, which is when the cancer has a greater chance of being cured. Lung cancer screening with the use of low-dose CT combined with the appropriate follow-up care has been proven to significantly reduce lung cancer deaths. Talk with your physician to see if you meet the criteria and are eligible to benefit from a lung cancer screening. However, if you do not meet the criteria, and feel you would benefit from a low-dose lung cancer screening, the test is available at a very affordable out-of-pocket cost.

Virtual colonoscopy is a noninvasive procedure that uses CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the colon. Data obtained from the CT scans are used to create three-dimensional images of the colon to look for signs of pre-cancerous growths otherwise known as polyps, cancer and other diseases of the large intestine. Colon cancer screening should begin at age 50; however, those with an increased risk or family history of colon cancer may need to begin screening at age 40 or younger and may need to be screened more often. Experts believe that over 90% of all colorectal cancers can be cured through early detection and treatment. Unfortunately, many forgo this life saving screening due to convenience, cost, availability and embarrassment. Only 30% of people who should be screened for colon cancer have been screened. As virtual colonoscopy is mildly invasive, as compared with traditional colonoscopy, it is an excellent alternative for colon cancer screening.

A coronary CTA scan can discover signs of heart disease that would be invisible in EKG’s, stress testing, calcium scoring and even cardiac catheterization. Unlike calcium scoring, coronary CTA can identify what is known as “vulnerable plaque,” the type of arterial plaque most likely to develop into a life-threatening blockage. Coronary CTA provides much of the information that conventional cardiac catheterization does, but because of its unique ability to see the wall of the artery, it provides important information that can be invisible on catheterization. Because coronary CTA uses CT scanning instead of catheterization, it is safer, painless and noninvasive.

To learn more about these and other life-saving screening available at Peninsula Imaging, visit PeninsulaImaging.com.

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