Top Tech Trends in Cancer Screening

Throughout the past ten years, radiological advances have changed the industry drastically. X-ray technology, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and women’s imaging services have become more accurate and have a lower margin of error. This enables us to make a better diagnosis and to make better decisions regarding treatment. That’s why Central Oregon Radiology Associates (or CORA) is proud to offer some of the most advanced cancer screening technology available today.

Here Are Some of Today’s Top Trends in Radiology

Advanced Cancer Screening

One of the things we are most excited about is the advancements that have been made in cancer screening technologies. Especially when it comes to 3D radiology services. For so long we were only able to see a flat, two-dimensional image of the breasts using mammography. But with 3D digital mammography (also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or TOMO) we are able to capture images of breast tissue in several layers so that cancers are less likely to hide or be obscured by other tissue.

The end result is a series of images that can be synthesized into a three-dimensional picture of the breasts. This advancement alone enables us to detect 41% more invasive cancers than traditional mammographies and allows us to do so while reducing false-positives by 40%. CORA is the only facility certified by the ACR as a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.” Contact us for more information or schedule your appointment today.

Nuclear Medicine For Thyroid Health

Bone scans, gastrointestinal scans, hepatobiliary scans (to view the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts), lymphatic scans, and tumor imaging/staging scans (SPECT/CT and PET/CT) can also benefit from nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is a newer imaging technique whereby a small amount of radioactive matter (called a radiotracer) is administered to the body. It then concentrates in areas of interest where it can then be viewed using imaging technology.

Advances in nuclear medicine have been revolutionary for thyroid health in particular. For individuals with hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, a small dose of radioactive iodine I-131 can be taken orally as a thyroid treatment. This becomes absorbed by the bloodstream and then concentrates in the thyroid gland where it can get to work attacking cancer cells.

CORA is proud to operate seven imaging facilities in Oregon. We provide women’s imaging and cancer screening in Bend as well as a number of other outpatient services. Our radiologists are held to the highest standard of care and operate some of the most advanced screening services in Central and Eastern Oregon. Contact us for more information.