The Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Department at Great Falls Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and advanced imaging services to support the accurate diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. We offer many state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging modalities, including MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology procedures. With a team of experienced radiologists and technologists, the department is committed to delivering high-quality and personalized care to meet each patient’s unique needs. Whether general imaging, interventional procedures, or specialized scans, the Diagnostic Radiology Department at Great Falls Clinic prioritizes precision, safety, and patient comfort to ensure the best possible outcomes in Great Falls, MT.
CT
Great Falls Clinic offers a range of CT (computed tomography) services, including general CT imaging for various anatomical areas such as the head, abdomen, and other body parts. We specialize in interventional CT procedures, including CT-guided biopsies and minimally invasive CT techniques. These advanced imaging services allow for precise and targeted diagnostic procedures, ensuring accurate assessment and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. Our radiology department’s dedication to providing comprehensive CT services reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality care to patients in the greater Great Falls area.
Ultrasound
Great Falls Clinic offers a wide range of ultrasound services, including general diagnostic ultrasound for various medical conditions and ultrasound for pregnancy. We also provide interventional ultrasound procedures such as ultrasound-guided biopsies and vascular ultrasound for conditions like blood clots. Additionally, our clinic offers carotid artery ultrasound to assess the health of the carotid arteries. These comprehensive ultrasound services reflect our clinic’s commitment to providing advanced and specialized care for various medical needs.
MRI
Great Falls Clinic offers MRI services, including mid-field MRI scans for back pain, at an affordable cost. Additionally, we provide open MRI imaging for patients who experience claustrophobia and those with knee and spine injuries. The open MRI technology allows for a more comfortable and less confining experience for patients undergoing imaging procedures. Our clinic’s commitment to providing mid-field and open MRI services ensures patients receive high-quality diagnostic imaging tailored to their needs and preferences.
Nuclear Medicine
Great Falls Clinic provides a range of general nuclear medicine services, including diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging and I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer. Nuclear medicine scans utilize small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Our radiology specialty clinic offers specialized I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer, which involves the use of radioactive iodine (I-131) to destroy cancerous thyroid cells. Through our general nuclear medicine services, Great Falls Clinic is committed to delivering accurate diagnostic imaging and targeted treatments to meet the healthcare needs of our patients.
DEXA
Great Falls Clinic offers DEXA (Bone Density Scan) services for bone density assessment and osteoporosis screening. DEXA, which stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a safe and painless procedure for measuring bone mineral density. This type of scan helps diagnose and manage osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fractures. By utilizing DEXA technology, the Great Falls’ radiology team can provide accurate and reliable assessments of bone health, allowing for early detection and appropriate treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Interventional Breast Exams
Great Falls Clinic provides interventional breast exams, which are specialized procedures used to diagnose and treat breast abnormalities. These exams may include minimally invasive techniques such as ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, stereotactic breast biopsy, and MRI-guided breast biopsy. Interventional breast exams are performed by experienced specialists to accurately assess and diagnose breast conditions, including potential cancerous or benign lesions. Our clinic’s focus on interventional breast exams ensures that patients receive comprehensive and personalized care for their breast health needs.
Other Breast Services
Great Falls Clinic also provides a range of specialized services for breast health, including image-guided stereotactic biopsy, needle localization for breast surgery and biopsy, and sentinel node injection for breast cancer. These advanced techniques are used for precise localization and biopsy of breast abnormalities, as well as for sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy. By offering these specialized services, our clinic ensures accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment for patients with breast conditions, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive and advanced care for breast health.
Digital Mammography
The Great Falls Clinic believes that early detection is the best prevention against breast cancer which is why we provide you with state-of-the-art technology such as full field digital mammography and 3D digital breast tomosynthesis as part of our women’s health screening and diagnostic services. These advanced techniques provide detailed images of the breast, allowing for better detection of abnormalities and improved accuracy in interventional breast cancer screening.
Digital mammograms are an essential tool in the early detection of breast cancer, and the clinic’s use of cutting-edge technology ensures high-quality and precise results for patients undergoing screening.
Our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. Join us in the fight against breast cancer and schedule your annual mammogram today.
What to Expect During a Breast Screening
What is Digital Mammography?
Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor. The image can then be transmitted and stored similar to computer files.
From a patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional screen film mammogram. Both film-based and digital mammography use compression and x-rays to create images of the breast. During all mammography exams, the technologist positions the patient to image the breast from different angles and compresses the breast with a paddle to obtain optimal image quality. Digital mammograms, however, produce images that appear on the technologist’s monitor almost immediately. There is no waiting for film to develop, which can mean that the patient may spend a shorter amount of time in the breast imaging suite.
What are the Benefits of Digital Mammography?
Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny spots, called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.
With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The radiologist can adjust the brightness, change contrast and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology. Another convenience of digital mammography, when compared to film-based systems, is that it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over- or under- exposure. This potentially saves additional time and reduces your exposure to x-rays.
Because digital mammograms are electronic, the images can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information and transmitted and received in a more streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on only one set of original films.
Understanding Mammograms
Mammograms play a major role in early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that could be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. The use of mammography has greatly enhanced the ability to detect breast cancers at earlier stages.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray examination of the breasts, used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Screening mammography is used as a preventive measure for women who have no symptoms of breast disease. A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast. Diagnostic mammography involves additional views of the breast and is used when an abnormality is found during screening or in women who have breast complaints (such as a breast mass, nipple discharge, breast pain or skin irritation). Mammography is a very safe procedure that uses low doses of radiation to produce high-quality x-rays.
Are there different kinds of mammograms?
Two kinds of mammograms are available: screen-film mammography and full field digital mammography. Screen-film mammography uses x-ray beams that are captured on a film cassette. The film is then developed and a radiologist reviews the film on a high-intensity light box. Digital mammography uses x-ray beams that are captured on specially designed digital detectors. The digital detectors convert the x-ray beams into electronic signals, which are then sent to a computer. The radiologist can then review the digital mammogram on a high-resolution computer monitor.
Who should receive mammograms?
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 and that beginning at the age of 40, women receive an annual screening mammogram. Women with certain risk factors should discuss an appropriate screening program with their physician.
Preparing for a Mammogram
Are mammograms painful?
Receiving a mammogram should not be a painful experience. Minimal discomfort might be experienced for a brief time during each x-ray due to breast compression. Breast compression helps obtain better x-rays by:
- Flattening the breast so that the maximum amount of tissue can be examined.
- Allowing a lower x-ray dose to be used.
- Holding the breast in place to prevent blurring caused by motion.
If you have sensitive breasts, schedule your mammogram at a time of the month when your breasts will be less tender. In general, the week after a menstrual cycle is when breasts are less tender.
How will I get my results?
Your mammogram will be read by a radiologist. The radiologist will send a report to your physician who will then notify you of the results. Be sure to ask your physician when you will receive the results of your mammogram. If you do not hear from your physician, don’t assume your mammogram was normal. Confirm this by calling your physician’s office.
