Imaging services

Collaboration is critical when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Our providers use a picture archiving and communication system to securely send and store digital versions of medical images recorded by X-Ray, ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan. This approach eliminates the need for a physical copy and allows our doctors to remotely access and interpret images.

CRC screenings help doctors find colon cancer early on, when the chances for successful treatment are greatest.

Our gastroenterology department was the first in Chattanooga to use artificial intelligence (AI) during screening colonoscopies. Our computer-aided screening system is designed to precisely recognize precancerous polyps during colonoscopies.

To schedule a colonoscopy that uses this advanced technology, ask your primary care doctor for a referral.

This technology uses X-ray technology to take multiple pictures of the inside of your body. Compared to standard X-rays, CT scans produce clearer, more detailed images of organs, bones, soft tissue, blood vessels and other parts of the body. You may feel warm and flushed if contrast material is injected into your vein. Otherwise, you should feel no pain.

Why your doctor might recommend a CT scan

Our providers use CT scans for various reasons, including to:

• Conduct a lung cancer screening
• Determine the size and location of a tumor
• Diagnose blood vessel diseases
• Diagnose skeletal issues
• Identify trauma-related injuries
• Locate bleeding inside the body
• Plan cancer radiation treatments
• Study the chest and abdomen

What to expect before a CT scan

Before the test, your doctor will likely ask about:

• Allergies you may have
• Medicines you take
• Your medical history
• Whether you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant

Before your test, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any changes to your medications or diet.

Once you arrive, a healthcare professional will explain and answer any questions you may have. You will remove your clothes, jewelry, hair clips, dentures or any other objects that could show on the X-Rays and put on a gown or robe. If your CT scan includes oral contrast material, you will need to drink the contrast material at this time.

What to expect during a CT scan

The test usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on how many pictures are needed. You will lie on a movable bed. The bed will slide into the donut-shaped CT scanner. Depending on the type of scan, an IV line may be placed in your hand or arm. A saline solution and contrast material may be injected into your vein during the test. The technologist will leave the room. They will give you directions using an intercom. The machine will take a series of pictures of the area of your body that is being studied. Your bed may move slightly between pictures.

What to expect after a CT scan

You will need to wait for the technician to review your images. In some cases, more images will need to be taken. The CT images will be sent to a radiologist who will analyze them. Your doctor will receive the results and discuss them with you.

After the test, call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, nausea, swollen or itchy eyes, tight throat or difficulty breathing. Call your doctor if you experience any other symptoms that concern you.

CT simulation is a process that physicians use to get images of the body in order to obtain the appropriate treatment plan. CT simulation is currently an industry standard and our CT simulator offers the most current technology to aid in the fight against cancer.

CT simulation is a critical step before radiation treatment. If your doctor determines that radiotherapy is necessary as part of your cancer treatment, you will likely need to schedule an appointment for CT simulation.

Digital imaging has been one of the biggest improvements over the past decade. We have implemented this technology on our linear accelerator, which reduces treatment times and gets you back to your day.

Cancer patients undergoing external beam radiation were traditionally subject to X-ray procedures in order to determine the most effective and safe delivery of radiation. These practices typically involved a long treatment time on tables during visits.

By implementing digital imaging, the time you're on the table has been greatly reduced. The physician can now review images instantly without waiting for the film image to develop. This leads to shorter appointment times and allows you to get back to your life more quickly.

Most times, lung cancer does not produce symptoms until it is in the advanced stages; when treatment options are limited. The key is finding lung cancer in its early stages, which increases treatment options and survival rates.

A lung screening computed tomography (CT) scan should be a regular preventive health check, just like a mammogram or colonoscopy. Lung screenings are fairly simple with no need for preparation, undressing or uncomfortable exams. A low-dose CT scan offers less radiation than traditional CT scans, and they produce higher-quality images for physicians.

Your doctor will help determine if lung screening is right for you. Generally, lung screening is recommended as part of your preventive health checks if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Currently smoke
• People who have smoked an average of one pack a day for 20 years
• Quit smoking within the last 15 years

Robotic bronchoscopy

The goal of robotic bronchoscopy is to help doctors see and get to small and hard-to-reach nodules in parts of the lung.

This innovative technology aims to help doctors achieve a more accurate diagnosis of lung nodules, which means you can begin treatment earlier. The technology combines robotics, software, data science and endoscopy — the use of small cameras and tools to enter the body through its natural openings.

Robotic bronchoscopy technology uses a familiar controller-like piece of equipment physicians use to navigate the flexible robotic endoscope into the lung. The procedure allows physicians to see throughout the entire procedure.

Lung screening FAQs

You may have questions on an upcoming lung screening or about the process in general.

What is the goal of lung screening?

The goal of lung screening is to identify cancer at an early stage. Without screening, lung cancer is usually not found until a person develops symptoms. At that time, the cancer is much harder to treat.

I am a high-risk individual but have been diagnosed with cancer in the past. Is lung screening appropriate for me?

It depends. In some cases, lung screening will not be appropriate, such as when your doctor is following your cancer with CT scans. Your doctor will help determine if lung screening is right for you.

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast that enables doctors to examine breast tissue for signs of cancer. Regular mammograms help us to detect cancer early, allowing for a range of treatment options.

We provide accessible mammography services in a safe, comfortable environment, with caring and knowledgeable doctors to provide follow-up services.

An MRI uses magnetic waves and computer-generated sound waves to create 2D and 3D dimensional images of the inside of your body. We use a large bore MRI unit, which means that if you're subject to claustrophobia, you'll be less likely to be anxious during the experience. By the same token, the large bore machine is better able to handle patients who may be larger than average.

We offer ultrasound localization of the prostate for cancer treatment. This is a critical tool in the fight against prostate cancer. It has been documented through a number of studies that the prostate will move on a daily basis. Previous treatment methods could not account for this organ motion and with the use of ultrasound, therapists are able to localize the prostate and shift the patient daily so that radiation fields can be accurately placed for treatments. This technology allows for higher dosage of radiation while reducing the potential for side effects.

We use 2D simulation technology, a process where digital images are obtained using X-rays and fluoroscopic imaging techniques. This process allows our physicians to quickly verify patient setup and allow for areas that need additional radiation fields to be added to the course of treatment without the need for additional computed tomography simulations.

If you need to undergo a laboratory-based diagnostic test, we will make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible. We offer outpatient laboratory diagnostic services, including:

• Blood tests
• Routine health screenings
• Tissue biopsies
• Urine tests