Iowa Radiology Blog

When Should I Seek Help for Pelvic Pain?

Dec 30, 2022 10:31:01 AM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

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.

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Topics: women's ultrasound, pelvic congestion syndrome

MRI and Ultrasound for Breast Imaging

Jun 22, 2020 12:39:27 PM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

Mammography is the most widely used and commonly recommended technology for breast imaging. The American College of Radiology and the Society for Breast Imaging recommend annual mammography screening for women at average risk of breast cancer beginning at age 40. In some instances, however, MRI or ultrasound imaging is recommended as a supplement to mammography.

Why are other imaging methods recommended?

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Topics: women's ultrasound, breast MRI

What Options Are Available for Breast Cancer Screening?

Jan 13, 2020 8:30:00 AM

Posted by Iowa Radiology

Approximately one in eight women (12.5%) develops breast cancer in her lifetime. Because of the prevalence of breast cancer in women, doctors and medical associations recommend screening—looking for signs of disease when no symptoms are present. Mammography has been the gold standard of breast cancer detection for decades and remains a critical component of routine screening. Other technologies, however, can be valuable supplements—or in some cases, even replacements—for screening mammography.

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Topics: women's ultrasound, breast MRI, mammography

Modern Breast Cancer Screening

Jul 29, 2019 8:33:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Dating back to the 1970s, the use of mammography in breast cancer screening has proven to save lives. Breast cancer screening has evolved dramatically, however, since those early days of direct-exposure film and the need for high radiation doses. Refinements in technique and technology have enabled doctors to successfully detect and treat more cancers at earlier stages, using less radiation than in the past.[1] Today, radiologists have multiple effective tools available for identifying breast cancers as early as possible to give patients the best chance of recovery.

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Topics: women's ultrasound, breast MRI, mammography

Women’s Pelvic Ultrasound—Transabdominal vs. Transvaginal

Jul 1, 2019 4:23:00 PM

Posted by Diane Campbell

If your doctor orders a pelvic ultrasound exam, images can be captured in two different ways: transabdominally (through the abdomen) and transvaginally (through the vaginal canal). Depending on the patient and the condition being assessed, either one or both of these methods can be used.

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Topics: women's ultrasound

Alternatives and Supplements to Mammography, Part 1—Breast Ultrasound

Aug 23, 2018 8:30:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Mammography is the only breast cancer screening tool that has been proven to reduce deaths through early detection. However, other imaging modalities can be valuable when a supplement or alternative to mammography is needed. Women who are unable to undergo mammography or whose mammography images provide insufficient information are often referred for breast ultrasound.

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Topics: women's ultrasound

Transvaginal Ultrasound: Why It’s Recommended & What to Expect

Jul 17, 2018 4:06:00 PM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Most people are familiar with transdermal ultrasound exams, during which the ultrasound transducer is passed over the surface of the skin to produce images of internal structures. To assess issues related to the female reproductive system, however, doctors sometimes recommend a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). This procedure involves inserting a specially designed transducer into the vagina to produce clearer, detailed images for the assessment of some conditions. 

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Topics: women's ultrasound

Sonohysterography for Investigating Gynecological Issues

Mar 25, 2018 8:47:00 AM

Posted by Diane Campbell

A woman who experiences symptoms like trouble getting pregnant, repeated miscarriages, or abnormal menstrual bleeding may be referred for a sonohysterogram to investigate possible causes. If a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound produces insufficiently clear images to locate the source of the problem, then a sonohysterogram may be recommended.

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Topics: sonohysterogram, women's ultrasound

Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, & Breast MRI—What’s the Difference?

Jun 29, 2017 4:14:00 PM

Posted by Diane Campbell

Mammography is the standard for breast cancer screening, but it’s not the only imaging method that doctors use to get information about breast conditions and possible cancers. In some cases, ultrasound or MRI are chosen to supplement or replace mammography as a breast imaging tool. To help you understand why your doctor may recommend a particular breast imaging procedure, here are some basic reasons that each is often used.

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Topics: women's ultrasound, breast MRI, mammography

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