With some COVID-19 restrictions loosening up and temperatures climbing, many of us are itching to get outside and get moving. Aches and pains that come when you enthusiastically return to your favorite activities often resolve with some rest and moderation. However, if pain persists, x-rays or more advanced medical imaging may determine if a nagging joint pain or twinge needs special treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has surely forced a lot of adjustments. Many of us are not gathering with our families this holiday season. We’re all staying home more than ever. Going to work looks different for many of us. Many schools remain online. You may also have...
Joint pain can affect people regardless of age or activity level. Dr. Rusty Wilson, musculoskeletal radiologist and the Co-Director of the Orthopedic and Sport Imaging section at Wake Radiology, addresses common questions related to joint pain and when you should talk with your doctor about how imaging can help your diagnosis and treatment.
One out of every two women age 40 and over has dense breast tissue and all women experience changes in their breast density as they get older. Learn how that impacts breast cancer detection.
There are a lot of reasons women put off having their annual screening mammogram. One reason we routinely hear is that many patients find the compression uncomfortable or even painful. So why is it important? Why is compression necessary during a mammogram?...
Breast ultrasound shouldn’t replace your mammogram, but it does provide additional diagnostic information, especially if there’s an area of concern. Learn more about the role of breast ultrasound from Dr. Susan Kennedy, one of our breast imaging radiologists.
From baseball pitching to carrying little kids to lifting overhead, the shoulder gets quite the workout. Dr. Rusty Wilson shares why It’s important to take care of this joint – especially if it’s been injured.
Joint pain is a common problem. Often it is transient and resolves on its own. However, when it persists, x-rays or more advanced imaging can help make a correct diagnosis. Dr. Charles Pope explains how imaging can help determine if you have arthritis and, if so, specifically what type.
It’s important to understand your risk for breast cancer. The new guidelines announced earlier this year, Dr. Danielle Wellman helps explain when women should have their first mammogram, how often they should be screened, and what do to do if they are considered to have a higher risk for breast cancer.
There are many tools that help women estimate their chance for having breast cancer. But, filling out a “risk calculator” doesn’t always provide a clear picture as to why you may be more likely to develop the disease – and importantly, if there is anything you can do to prevent it. Dr. Danielle Wellman, breast imaging radiologist, has pulled together resources to help women understand why they may be at high risk for breast cancer.
Knee pain can keep you from activities you enjoy. Dr. William Vanarthos explains how a knee MRI offers the best method for determining if the soft tissues or bone have been compromised.
Hip pain can stem from many causes including problems with a patient’s bony structures as well as in their soft tissues. A correct diagnosis is critical to ensuring that the best possible treatment plan is chosen. Wake Radiology’s Dr. Nik Wasudev explains the benefits of a hip MRI and how it can help determine the cause of pain.
With summer officially here, sunscreen is likely being used by the gallon as we all get outside and enjoy North Carolina’s great weather and attractions. Sunscreen is critical in helping to prevent sunburn and ultimately skin cancer. Did you know that medical imaging can help detect melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer? Dr. David Schultz explains how radiologists at Wake Radiology use PET-CT to help with diagnosis and staging of this skin cancer.
During part one of our series, we explored reasons why women postpone having an annual screening mammogram. Here are a few others that we often hear and why, no matter what the reason, you’ll get a welcome reception from our mammography team.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings give doctors and patients the ability to detect lung cancer when it’s potentially curable. Dr. Carmelo Gullotto explains the criteria for and benefits of a lung cancer screening.
Every couple of years, there’s an increased interest in breast thermography and how it compares to mammography in detecting breast cancer. The co-director of Wake Radiology’s Breast Imaging team shares important information, scientific data and our practice’s position on thermography.
A screening mammogram doesn’t mean a half-day appointment. At Wake Radiology, a mammogram – even a 3D exam – only takes about 30 minutes from check in to exam completion. Dr. Susan Kennedy helps explain exactly what to expect during your yearly mammogram appointment.
We ask a lot of our feet and foot pain can come from various sources. Dr. William Vanarthos explains how imaged guided joint injections can help ease or reduce pain so you can put your best foot forward.
Research recognizes that low-dose CT (LDCT) screenings can be a useful tool for detecting lung cancer early when it’s at a treatable stage. And, now many insurance plans are covering the procedure. Dr. Carmelo Gullotto explains how LDCT works.
Check out the last installment of our “excuses” series! We’re sharing the reasons women often give for postponing their annual screening mammogram. No matter what the reason, know that you’ll get a welcome reception from our mammography team.
Women have a variety of excuses for postponing their annual screening mammogram. Several of our mammogram technologists have joined together to help uncover ways to turn excuses into action. We don’t want fear or lack of understanding to drive decisions about your breast health.
Many patients are concerned about the impact of osteoporosis as they age. Dr. Joseph Melamed explains how a DXA scan can help determine if you have osteoporosis and what type of treatment could be effective in treating this condition.
Pain in your elbow doesn’t have to slow you down, especially as all of us look to get back to outdoor activities as the weather improves. Dr. Lyndon Jordan helps explain how imaging can help identify pain associated with tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
It can be all too easy to ditch the bike helmet, but the few seconds it takes to put on could save you time and money in the event of an accident.
Dr. Siobhan Alexander talks with Valonda Calloway to explain the benefits of annual screenings – particularly 3D mammograms. She also shares how breast imaging radiologists at Wake Radiology UNC REX are leveraging artificial intelligence with 3D screening mammograms to improve early detection and reduce callbacks for more imaging.
Did you know a CT lung cancer screening can detect cancer early? That improves treatments and saves lives, but how do you know if you should have a screening? Dr. Gullotto gives some details that can help.
Our breast imaging radiologists recommend patients temporarily delay their screening mammogram if they’ve recently received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Patients and colleagues both have asked if 3D mammograms are worth all of the hype. At Wake Radiology, we strongly believe that 3D mammography, or 3D breast tomosynthesis, is absolutely as revolutionary as it’s stated to be.
As a mammographer for eight years, I’m often reminded that flexible schedules & appointments are critical to our patients. At Wake Radiology, we work hard every day to make sure our patients understand what we mean when we say: “no one sees you like we do.” Their kind words make me proud to serve them.
For 32 years as a mammographer, I have found that simple acts of kindness – a smile, an uplifting word or taking an extra moment to truly listen to what a patient wants you to hear – builds assurance in relationships. This helps tremendously when assisting a women with her mammogram.
During the past year, several national medical organizations have changed their recommendations on when women should begin screening mammograms. We recently reviewed years worth of our own data and still supporting screenings starting at age 40. Check out our detection rate statistics to see why.
Women often ask if they really need a mammogram every year. Breast imaging radiologist Richard Max explains why it’s important to say “yes” to annual screening exams.
Just being told you need a MRI can make you worried and anxious. One of our certified technologists answers the top 5 questions that are asked most commonly asked about having an MRI.
This week, the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced its recommendations about when women should begin annual mammogram screenings. We believe this will spark important dialogue, but it could also bring some confusion.Our breast imaging radiologists offer recommendations and information.
High school athletes alone account for about 2 million injuries each year. At Wake Radiology, we’ve seen how high-quality medical imaging can help detect and diagnose injuries – often before they irreversibly impact a young athlete’s future.
Pink and ribbons have become synonymous with October, but when was the last time these symbols actually made you stop and think of an individual person – someone who is fighting the disease or the impact early detection can make. Drs. Wellman and Burke encourage you not to let pink be pointless in October and every month of the year.