For the most part, everyone wants to live a relaxing lifestyle with as few problems as possible. With that being said, sometimes health issues in particular can sneak up on you without any warning. No matter how much you take care of yourself — and how effectively — you can still suffer from health problems. Sometimes, these are the result of environmental factors; for example, pollution and carcinogens in the air can result in cancer, and other chemicals can lead to lung disease. Other times, these issues stem from “bad genes”. Many times, they are unpreventable. However, you can prevent health problems from progressing further if you catch them early. Early detection is often the best first step in treating diseases ranging from cancer to genetic defects. Therefore, it’s greatly important that not only are you as a person diligent in having your health checked regularly — but that you have accept to the best possible diagnostic imaging centers. Diagnostic imaging centers can provide a variety of resources — they aren’t limited to 3D mammography services or MRI radiology. Let’s look into some of the services offered by a good diagnostic imaging center, and how these services can help you keep your health under control.

Diagnostic Imaging Centers: The Services You Might Find

Many people think that radiology centers — and indeed diagnostic imaging centers in general — are largely associated with breast cancer diagnoses. Indeed, very often people do have their mammograms at such centers, and in this day and age mammograms have become even more detailed than they once were. Typically, mammograms are now precise detailed through the use of 3D technology. 3D technology makes it easier for doctors to zero in on where the cancer is, which makes it easier to diagnose and for that matter easier to treat. Again, however — this is not the only service offered by such centers. Many people reach out to diagnostic imaging centers for services that diagnose not only cancer but genetic abnormalities and much more. An ultrasound, for example, can be used to diagnose many different internal malformations in the body. And when further testing and diagnoses are needed, an open MRI may be a better option. An MRI can, as you’ll read below, diagnosis many different diseases and even injuries. It gives an in-depth look at the internal body.

The MRI: Mapping Out The Body Within

An MRI is one of the most high-level types of diagnostic imaging on the market. It can save lives, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Due to its somewhat extreme nature, an MRI isn’t for everyone — and doesn’t need to be applied in all cases. Nonetheless, about 30 million MRIs are performed in the U.S. each year, demonstrated its widespread applications. 6.6 million — or 22% — of those cases involve head scans. The MRI has developed a reputation for its use in diagnosing abnormalities in, and indeed mapping out, the brain. On average, an MRI lasts from 30 minutes to two hours, and the results from a typical MRI can be remarkably detailed. 3D images from all angles can be provided by a seemingly simple MRI, without much stress on the patient. The lead-up to an MRI is fairly simple. Usually, you will be required to avoid eating for at least two hours prior to the scan. However, the requirements can vary depending on what the doctors are looking for in your scan. The MRI won’t be invasive or painful. Each series of pictures taken by the machine takes around 15 minutes to process, with two to six sets of pictures being taken during a typical session. You will need to lie completely still during the process. The only real limitations of an MRI is that they usually aren’t given to pregnant women, though this can be done under extreme circumstances.

Don’t be afraid to go to a diagnostic imaging center — it could very well save your life.