Virtual Colonoscopy (VC)

More than 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year
Almost 60,000 people die each year

Very preventable disease if diagnosed early
Possible methods for polyp discovery:

• Traditional colonoscopy
• Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual Advantages:
Less Invasive alternative, and much more convenient (both preparation and procedure)
Many pics are taken and 3D imaging gets visualization quickly
Takes about 10-15 minutes
High sensitivity to find polyps/cancer
Also, look at more than just colon area, rather abdomen and pelvis get looked at too to help better find any other problems.
The patient gets to drive home themselves.  They do not need an accompaniment, nor do they need or receive any sedation. 

Virtual Disadvantages:
Not covered by many insurance plans yet

Prepping for a VC:
Much more user friendly- a 2 day prep time

Loso Prep- Gentle, pleasant tasting bowel prep
Tagitol- Barium Sulfate fecal tagging agent (allows doctors to see things more specifically and understand what is part of the bowel and what is not)

Overall, prep is well tolerated
Bowl Cleansing = CO2 in anal area, then scope inside that area
Candidates include people who have had a failed colonoscopy, a very frail person, those with colon cancer in their genetic background.
Easier time overall in all aspects. 
 
 

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

What is cardiac scoring?

Cardiac scoring is a revolutionary, pain-free, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure requiring less than 10 minutes. Using CT imaging with sub-second scanning capability, the equipment takes 70-90 images of your coronary arteries without any injections, needles or removal of your clothing. The amount of calcium or plaque detected in your coronary arteries is used to establish your cardiac score.

What does the procedure involve?

First, you complete a brief risk factor questionnaire. Next, you lie down on the imaging table while a CT technologist places a few EKG leads on you. You are then asked to hold your breath while the images are taken. That's it. You can return to your regular routine.
A board certified radiologist, using high tech software, calculates your cardiac score based on the images taken. He or she provides an evaluation of the results within 24 hours.

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

The risk factors for heart disease include the following:

• Age (men 45 or older, women 55 or older)
• Family history of heart disease
• High cholesterol
• History of smoking
• High blood pressure
• High stress levels,
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes

What causes heart disease?

The primary cause of heart disease is the build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries of the heart. This build-up can cause the arteries to narrow. Plaque can also break away from the artery walls and cause a blockage. In both instances the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and oxygen-thus a heart attack can occur.

Is cardiac scoring safe?

The radiation exposure during cardiac scoring is very minimal (comparable to the radiation received during a chest x-ray). No intravenous injections or needles are required.
Not only is it safe, but it is also simple. In most cases (unless there are certain types of buttons or bra metal involved), patients may keep their shirt or blouse on during the procedure. 
 

What can my cardiac score tell me and my doctor?

Subtle early warning signs of heart disease can be detected. Cardiac scoring is the latest diagnostic tool to detect plaque in the coronary arteries. With this information, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment, including diet and lifestyle changes, medication and/or further testing.

What are the general recommendations for interpretation of calcium scores?

Is cardiac scoring safe?

The radiation exposure during cardiac scoring is very minimal (comparable to the radiation received during a chest x-ray). No intravenous injections or needles are required.
Not only is it safe, but it is also simple. In most cases (unless there are certain types of buttons or bra metal involved), patients may keep their shirt or blouse on during the procedure.

Facts about heart disease:

* 58 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.
* Coronary heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.
* More Americans die of heart disease, than all types of cancer combined.
* At least 250,000 people a year die of a heart attack within one hour of the onset of symptoms and before they reach a hospital.
* 12 million people alive today have a history of heart attack, chest pain or both.
Source: American Heart Association

 

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

The following are contributing factors that often lead to an abdominal aortic aneurysm:
Controllable Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk Factors:

• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

Uncontrollable Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk Factors:

• Age
• Gender - men are more prone to this disease
• Family history

The Life Line Screening ultrasound test views your aorta for any signs of "ballooning" or widening of the vessel.
 The most common abdominal aortic aneurysm warning signs are:

• Intense back or abdominal pain
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• Shock

Unfortunately, many people who have aortic aneurysms do not experience symptoms. Therefore, a preventive Life Line Screening abdominal aortic aneurysm screening may identify life threatening health problems early enough for your physician to take corrective action.

What Causes an: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
Over time, the weakening of the aorta due to vascular disease, injury (trauma), or a genetic (hereditary) defect of the tissue within the arterial wall can cause an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Continuous blood pressure against this weakened area can result in the ballooning (enlarging and thinning) of the aortic artery.  Risk factors for developing an aneurysm include heredity (family history), smoking, heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor diet. Most doctors will advise simple preventative measures such as keeping your blood pressure under control, quitting s?oking, and reducing cholesterol in your diet. These lifestyle changes could also aid in preventing further problems in the future. If you are at risk for developing an aneurysm, your doctor may recommend periodic screening. This is commonly done with a simple physical exam and possibly CT Scan or ultrasound. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.

Are You at Risk for an: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

• Are you a male over 55 years of age?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Do you have pre-existing heart disease?
• Is there a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms?
• Do you have high blood pressure or do you take medication for high blood pressure?
• Do you have hardening of the arteries?
• Do you smoke?
• Are you more than 30 pounds overweight

Lung Cancer Screening

Introduction

This CAT Scan shows a lung nodule that was initially found by a screening test.

In the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Despite advances in therapy, there has not been a significant improvement in survival from lung cancer. In 1950 the overall cure rate was approximately 10 %. Today, the survival rate is not significantly better, unless tumors are detected in early stages.
Survival from lung cancer is dependent on the stage of the cancer. The stage is determined by the size and location of the tumor, the presence of cancer in the surrounding lymph nodes, and spread to distant sites. When lung cancer is treated in its earliest stage the cure rate approaches 70 % or greater. The size of the tumor also impacts on survival, even for tumors discovered at an early stage. The survival is worse for patients whose tumors are greater than 3 cm. than for those who have tumors less than 3 cm in size. It remains to be seen whether detection at an even smaller size (less than 3 cm.) has an even greater impact on survival.

CT Screening for Lung Cancer
Compelling evidence from several sources now suggests that in high risk individuals, CT screening is the best method to detect lung cancer in its earliest stage. Since the majority of lung cancers originate as a small growth, or nodule in the lung, screening CT scans are extremely sensitive in detecting nodules as small as 2 or 3 mm within the lungs. Screening CT scans are capable of detecting lung nodules much smaller than by conventional chest X-ray. In fact in the recently published articles on CT screening, the majority of lung cancers that were found on CT scanning could not be detected on the chest X-ray that was performed simultaneously. If a nodule is found on a screening CT scan, than a decision is made to either biopsy the nodule if it appears suspicious for cancer, or to repeat a CT scan within 6 to 12 weeks to determine if the nodule has grown. Should the nodule grow, this is highly suspicious for malignancy, and a recommendation to biopsy the nodule is warranted. If on the other hand the nodule remains stable in size, and does not change, then continued observation is recommended.

 

Self referred screening Exams

Wellness Screenings are radiology examinations of various body parts, designed for early detection of disease and cancer. Although often prescribed by area doctors, a physician referral is not required for these examinations.

These examinations are designed for asymptomatic patients with an interest in gaining more information about their current health. Earlier detection of disease allows for modification of risk factors and earlier management/intervention of detected abnormalities.

Heart Calcium Scoring ………………………………… $75
CT scan that detects the build up of plaque in the vessels         

Lung Scan…………………………………………………$175
CT used to detect lung cancer, even in the earliest stages

Abdominal Aorta Scan ………………………………… $200
Non-invasive ultrasound screen of the abdominal aorta

Virtual Colonography …………………………………...$450
CT that is used to detect polyps and colon cancer