What is mammography?

Mammography (mammogram) is an x-ray exam of the breast. Most mammography is done as a baseline or screening exam. This exam is useful in diagnosis of breast disease and in detection of cancer. Most breast disease is not malignant or cancerous. If cancer is present, finding it early improves your chances of being treated successfully. If you, or your doctor have felt a breast lump, mammography may aid in detecting other lumps or a lump in the other breast which cannot be felt yet. Mammography is the most accurate method currently available to detect breast disease when no symptoms exist.

Who should have a mammogram?
All women. Mammography screening is crucial to the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends that women begin annual screening mammography at age 40. An x-ray technique that photographs the inside of the breast, mammography detects lumps that are often too small or too deep to feel. The earlier cancer is detected, the better a woman's chances are for a favorable outcome.

Will my current imaging examination be compared to earlier examinations?

Yes. Your examination will be compared with your previous studies. If you have had prior tests at another facility, we will retrieve these studies for comparison prior to your examination date. If you are in possession of any earlier radiographic examinations, please bring them with you at the time of your visit.

What is the difference between CT scan and a MRI?

Computed Tomography (CT) uses x-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the body part being examined. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a high field strength magnet and radio waves to generate a cross-sectional image.

Will I need an injection of dye when I have my CT or MRI examination?

Depending on the study your physician has ordered, it may be necessary for you to receive an intravenous contrast injection. For CT, the contrast material is iodine based while a gadolinium based chelate is used as the contrast agent in MRI scans. While generally safe and effective, the iodinated contrast agents rarely can cause reactions in certain individuals with a history of allergies, asthma, renal disease, heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions. Our DIS and Delta radiologists and staff technologists will screen you for these conditions prior to your injection.

What is the difference between conventional and open MRI?

DIS offers conventional MRI at three of our locations: Metairie, Uptown and Marrero. Our conventional MRI systems are 1.0T and 1.5T magnets that provide high quality images in a short amount of time. While our 1.0T MRI units may be considered conventional, there is nothing conventional about our 1.5T Infinion MRI system. Its wide aperture, short bore design, virtually eliminates claustrophobia, while providing more comfort to our patients. If a patient is truly claustrophobic and unable to undergo a conventional MRI examination, DIS now offers Open MRI as an imaging option for those patients who need an MRI but simply cannot tolerate the “closed in” feeling of a conventional MRI system. The main difference between conventional and Open MRI is magnetic field strength, overall design and the time it takes to acquire the images. While our conventional “high field” MRI systems range in strength from 1.0T to 1.5T, our ‘mid field” Open MRI system is .35T. This simply means that it will take longer to obtain high quality images in an Open MRI system, than that of a conventional MRI system, but it does so in a less confining manner. Regardless of whether you choose to have your MRI procedure performed on a conventional or Open MRI system, you can rest assured that the images we obtain from either system will be of the same high quality that DIS has always provided its patients and referring physicians.

What is centralized scheduling?

By calling one convenient phone number, (504) 883-5999 a patient or physicians office may schedule an appointment for any exam at any of our locations. This allows us to give patients the first available appointment at any location or the location of their choice, instantaneously. DIS also distributes, for our referring physicians, Schedule by fax pads. You simply fill out the form and fax it to our centralized scheduling office. If you would like to request Schedule by Fax pads, please call our Physician representative at (504) 459-3210

Are all of your physicians board certified?

All of DIS' Radiologists are certified by the American Board of Radiology. In addition many of the radiologists have completed fellowships and achieved additional certification in imaging subspecialties.
What is the difference between a Mammography Screening examination and a

Diagnostic Mammogram?

A screening is an annual examination that is a check -up when a patient is not having any problems. A diagnostic Mammogram, however, is usually ordered and performed when a patient has a lump, diagnosed with breast cancer within 5 years, is having pain or nipple discharge, etc.

Why does my whole body go into the scanner if you are only scanning my head?

In order to image a specific body part, that body part has to be in what we call isocenter, or the center of the magnet. Therefore, if we are scanning your head, that is the part that has to be in the center of the magnet. Here at Diagnostic Imaging Services, we have a specialized high field scanner that has a short bore magnet. The depth of this magnet is much shorter than conventional high field scanners. If you are having a scan of your lower back, pelvis or any part of the your lower extremities, then your head will not be in the scanner.