The pressure may be slightly uncomfortable, but should not be painful. For screening mammograms, X-rays are taken in two different positions, one from the side and one from above. The entire process generally takes about 20-30 minutes, and produces film images of the breast which are read by specially trained physicians, called radiologists. Women over 40 years of age should have the examination performed yearly. Bone Densitometry Bone Densitometry uses small amounts of radiation to determine the density of minerals in bones.
BMD tests are more sensitive that ordinary X-rays and can detect bone loss at an earlier stage.
Normal X-rays are not sensitive enough to detect bone loss until at least 30 percent of bone mass has been lost. A routine Bone Densitometry test consists of a scan of the lower back and hips, and takes approximately 15 -20 minutes. Patients, who can wear comfortable clothing such as sweat shirts and sweat pants, lie on a table while the scanning arm moves above them, collecting information for diagnosis. PET Scans Positron Emission Tomography, or PET, is a procedure used to determine the severity of a cancer, evaluate pulmonary nodules found on an X-ray, CT Scan or MRI, and evaluate recurrent melanoma and colorectal cancer. The images produced show the chemical function of an organ and tissue, which helps physicians determine the likely effectiveness of therapeutic options, pinpoint the best approach to treatment, and monitor the patient's progress.