Iowa Radiology Blog

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 10.2 million people over the age of 50 in the US. The condition causes bone fragility due to deterioration and loss of density, resulting in fractures for approximately half of women and a third of men. While breaking a bone might not seem like a big deal when you’re young, it can be devastating for older adults. Research suggests that after sustaining a fracture due to osteoporosis, 10% of patients suffer another fracture and 20% die within one year. Within five years, more than 30% experience an additional fracture, and mortality risk is three to four times higher than normal.[1]

A chest X-ray can provide valuable information about the condition of your heart, lungs, and surrounding structures. Doctors often order them to investigate respiratory or cardiac symptoms or to check for damage after a chest injury. Chest X-rays are also useful for monitoring progress after surgery to the chest and ensuring proper placement of medical devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. Below are some of the features radiologists examine in chest X-rays and the conditions they may shed light on. Depending on the results, a chest X-ray may be followed up with additional imaging such as MRI, ultrasound, or CT.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common type of cancer in the U.S.[1] One of the reasons lung cancer is so deadly is that symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Fortunately, low-dose CT lung screening (LDCTLS) has emerged as an effective screening tool to detect early-stage lung cancers, increasing many patients’ chances of survival. While LDCTLS isn’t appropriate for everyone, it has the potential to save lives among high-risk patients.

Both men and women experience pelvic pain for a variety of reasons. In many cases, pelvic pain goes away on its own. Sometimes, however, it can be a sign of a serious or chronic condition that needs treatment. Below are some of the most common reasons for pelvic pain as well as signs that it’s time to see a doctor.

When should mammography begin?

In recent years, differing guidelines for mammography screening offered by various groups of medical professionals have sparked confusion among patients. With a range of professional opinions, it can be hard to discern which advice is best. When weighing advice on breast cancer screening, it makes sense to look to leaders in breast cancer detection and treatment.

If you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming colonoscopy, you’re far from alone. Studies indicate that up to 1 in 5 people undergoing colonoscopy report severe anxiety, often because they anticipate pain and discomfort. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also lead to increased use of medication and make it more difficult to complete the procedure. Fortunately, there are proven ways to reduce this anxiety and feel more relaxed during the procedure. Here are six tips that can help you get through your next colonoscopy:

Many different types of illness and injury can cause joint pain. The underlying condition that causes it can be mild or severe, acute or chronic. If joint pain is mild, isn’t accompanied by other symptoms, and persists for less than three days, then home treatment may be all you need. Commonly recommended home treatments for joint pain include

Doctors have several types of tests at their disposal to diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. These include lab tests, MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, colonoscopy, and more. Often, doctors order a type of moving X-ray called fluoroscopy to assess patients’ GI health. Because it creates a moving image, fluoroscopy allows radiologists to watch the digestive tract in action.

Gastrointestinal problems are extremely common.

Gastrointestinal disorders affect millions of Americans each year. People can experience a wide range of digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, blockages, infections, and cancers. Most everyone experiences symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and digestive pain from time to time. Often, minor gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms come and go without an obvious cause. However, when symptoms are persistent, severe, or unusual, it’s important to investigate what’s behind them.