Breast Cancer Screening Procedures: Mammogram vs. Ultrasound vs. MRI - Which is Right for You?

There are several types of procedures used for breast cancer screening, each with different benefits and different scenarios in which they might be used. Here’s an overview on three of the most common ones: mammogram, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI.

What Is A Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a popular imaging technique used to diagnose diseases or to guide radiologists during treatment procedures. Fluoroscopy allows radiologists to gain a detailed look inside the patient’s skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems to gain insight and help diagnose illnesses or abnormalities. Below, we take a look at everything you need to know about fluoroscopy including what it is, what it’s used for, and how long it takes.

PA Spotlight: Getting To Know Hans Han

It’s National PA Week, and here at BICRAD we’re thankful to have a number of amazing PA’s on staff. This week we wanted you to get to know Hans Han, an incredibly talented Physician Assistant who is Board Certified in Interventional Radiology. We sat down and asked him a couple of questions about life as a PA, his professional accomplishments, and what he loves doing when he’s not in the office. Here are his responses!

Everything You Need To Know About Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroids affect a significant portion of women in the US, but until very recently the condition was very difficult to treat while maintaining fertility. In recent years, interventional radiology has been used to treat uterine fibroids in a minimally invasive and very safe way. This is done through Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which is a safe and effective non-surgical option for women to consider when dealing with uterine fibroids. Before we explain what UFE is and how it works, it’s important to ask the question: “what are uterine fibroids?”

8 Foods That Are Good For Your Heart

Not all foods are created equal, and there are certain food items that can actually have a huge impact on strengthening your heart and promoting long-term heart health! Here are some great options to incorporate into your diet:

Getting To Know BICRAD Radiologist: Dr. Christopher Lee

Today we’re sharing a little bit more about Dr. Christopher Lee, an incredibly talented jack-of-all-trades who holds Board Certifications in not one, but three categories: Diagnostic Imaging, CAQ Vascular, and Interventional Radiology. We sat down and asked him a couple of questions about life as a radiologist, his professional accomplishments, and what he loves doing when he’s not in the office. Here are his responses!

Interventional Radiology 101: What Is An Angiogram?

Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of radiology, which utilizes imaging tests as seeing-guides to facilitate minimally-invasive procedures, such as an angiogram. What Is An Angiogram? Well, An angiogram is a type of interventional radiology procedure that uses X-ray technology to guide a small tube called a catheter through the patient’s major arteries.

Exploring The Different Types Of Ultrasounds: 2D, 3D, 4D, & Doppler

Unless you’re familiar with the technology, you might not know that there are different types of ultrasounds including 2-D, 3-D, 4-D, and Doppler ultrasounds. In this article we’ll take some time to dive into the different types of ultrasounds available and the differences between them.

Lung Cancer Screening: What Is A Low Dose CT Scan?

In order to better detect the early development of lung cancer, many radiology centers offer traditional CT scan screenings of the chest. Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening are a technique specifically recommended for detecting lung cancer in certain types of patients - traditionally those that are high-risk. A high-risk smoker is classified as people age 55 to 80 who have a 30 “pack year” smoking history. 

What's The Difference Between CT And MRI?

Often times, patients ask us “What’s the difference between a CT scan and an MRI Scan?” These scans can seem pretty similar at first glance, but in reality, they are vastly different in the tasks that they perform and their functionality. We’re here to help clear the air and educate patients about the key differences between CT scans and MRI scans.

Selecting An Imaging Center: Why Quality Matters

Choosing an imaging facility is an important decision and important decisions take time, effort, and care. Not all imaging facilities are created equal, and no two patients are the same. Deciding on an imaging facility ensures that you are placing trust in a place and people you trust. And nothing is more important than your health. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your imaging facility.

What Is An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm & When You Should Get Screened For It?

As men, we are prone to some conditions that solely affect us as men and to others which simply appear more often in men; an abdominal aortic aneurysm is one those. Let’s take some time this Men’s Health Month to get screened for the conditions we are most at risk for.

Men's Health Month: Ways You Can Get Involved

June is Men’s Health Month, which is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, and other health activities and opportunities aimed at promoting awareness and early detection for the diseases that are most prevalent in men. Below, we will talk about common health issues that affect men and how you can get involved in Men’s Health Month.

Can You Get An MRI If You Have A Pacemaker?

Formerly MRIs were not supposed to be performed on patients with cardiac pacemakers, but after extensive research, radiology professionals at the American College of Radiology recently concluded that patients with pacemakers CAN safely undergo MRI procedures with the proper machines. Learn more about the specifications for these machines, which are offered at local San Francisco imaging centers by BICRAD.

Does My Radiologist Need To Be Board Certified?

The term “board certified” gets thrown around a good amount in the medical world, but how does it apply to you, the patient? Well, for starters, board certification serves as a notable indicator for the highest standard of care available. When searching for a radiologist in your area, we strongly urge you to consider choosing a board-certified radiologist—and here’s why!

Osteoporosis Prevention Tips

Although for most people it’s impossible to completely avoid any bone density loss as they age, there are some things you can start doing at a young age to strengthen your bones and decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis. Here are our top tips for osteoporosis prevention:

The New Moms’ Guide To An Ultrasound Exam

When it comes to pregnancy, ultrasound exam are one of the most exciting things an expecting mother can look forward to. Here’s everything you need to know about how ultrasounds work, and what to expect at your first, second, and third trimester exam. 
 

What Is Nuclear Medicine?

When we hear the word nuclear, most of our minds travel to anxious thoughts of bombs and war, but the word holds a very different meaning in the world of medicine. You may have heard the term “nuclear medicine” thrown around, but what exactly is nuclear medicine? It’s been popping up more in healthcare conversations, but what does it have to do with you? Read more to find out!

What Is A Radiologist?

Because radiologists are oftentimes back-end providers that the patient doesn’t directly interact with, it’s not surprising that many patients are unfamiliar with who the radiologist is or what a radiologist actually does. We’re here to clear the air and help explain the vital role that radiologists play in the medical imaging process.