Morning Bulletin, The; Rochkhampton, Qld., Mar 8, 2010
WOMEN of all ages in Central Queensland have access to the most up-to-date medical imaging procedures and equipment in Central Queensland Medical Imaging’s (CQMI) Mater Hospital Branch in Rockhampton.
Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, Obstetric Ultrasound including 3D imaging and Bone Densitometry are performed by highly trained and accredited technicians with radiologists on-site to diagnose, report and perform interventional procedures relating to women’s imaging.
Why have a Mammogram and/or Breast Ultrasound?
Mammographer Jody Guinane explains: “It is preferred that mammograms are performed when women are over 35 years, due to the dense breast tissue of young women. Mammograms can be either ‘screening’ or ‘diagnostic’.”
‘Screening’ mammograms are considered a ‘check-up’ whereas a ‘diagnostic’ mammogram indicates there is a clinical symptom or reason for investigation, for example a palpable lump. Mammograms are effective in detecting micro-calcifications, which may indicate a small breast tumour, long before a woman feels a lump.
“Women are reminded to bring along previous mammograms for comparison so any changes can be detected.”
To complement Mammography, Breast Ultrasound is a safe imaging tool which uses high frequency sound waves to visualise structures of the breast.
Its uses include confirming whether lesions look cystic (fluid filled) or solid, have benign or malignant (cancerous) appearances and is ideal for investigating dense breast tissue.
Ultrasound used in conjunction with Mammography provides a more complete analysis of breast tissue and can be used to guide needle sampling of breast tissue if appropriate.
New Obstetric Suite Popular
“CQMI’s new Obstetric Ultrasound Suite has proven popular with expectant mothers and families. The dedicated suite is well appointed with comfortable couch, flat screen monitor and studio portraits of beautiful babies” says CQMI’s Chief Sonographer Carl Donald. “Scans performed at various stages of pregnancy provide an insight into the well being of mother and baby”.
First Trimester Scans
Dating scans as early as five-six weeks of gestation can be performed if the patient and doctor are unsure of dates.
Nuchal Transluceny Assessment
A Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound examination is currently the most sensitive non-invasive screening test for genetic disorders including Down’s Syndrome. Performed between 11 – 14 weeks of gestation and in conjunction with a blood test identifies women who are of increased risk.
Morphology Scan
Doctors recommend a routine morphology Ultrasound examination at 18 -21 weeks as part of routine ante-natal care. The purpose of the scan is to check if the pregnancy is continuing normally, check the position of the placenta, check the anatomy of the baby.
3D Imaging
In the later stages of pregnancy, ultrasound imaging can used to check the growth and well-being of the foetus and 3D imaging can be used to enhance the bonding aspect of the ultrasound experience.
“During these scans we can make out all the anatomy of the foetus – face, hands and feet. This is when we get the ‘ooh and ahh’ moments” said Mr Donald.
Why Should Women have a Bone Density Scan?
Women, in particular, especially after the age of 35 years, experience accelerated bone loss due to a decline in oestrogen
3d ultrasound
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