MRI

MRI - Hope Island

Siemens MAGNETOM ESSENZA 1.5 T MRI Scanner

Gold Coast Radiology Scanner:

The Siemens MAGNETOM ESSENZA MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is designed from the ground up to provide reliable accurate and ultra-high-resolution diagnostic imaging.  The 1.5 Tesla field strength improves diagnostic image quality, while enhanced Matrix coils and Tim (Total Imaging Matrix) technology decreases patient scanning times.

MAGNETOM ESSENZA MRI scanners have "ultra-short" (145cm) bores which enhance patient comfort and reduce the claustrophobic feelings traditionally associated with other MRI scanners.

MRI - Hope Island

How it works

Conventional X-Rays and CT Scans use radiation to acquire the image, with MRI scanners, a large and very strong magnetic field is used to create the diagnostic image. The patient lies in the magnet, and a radio wave antenna is used to send signals to the body and then receive the signal back. The returning signals are processed and converted into pictures by a powerful computer attached to the MRI scanner. The radio waves actually change the magnetic field within the body which is much weaker than the steady strong magnetic field of the main magnet.

MRI scan Advantages over Other Types of Scans:

  • MRI scans are most often used for looking at non-bony parts of the body, or the "soft tissues" of the body. The brain, spinal cord and nerves are seen much more clearly with an MRI scanner compared to regular X-Rays and C.T Scans.
  • Muscles, tendons, and ligaments are also seen very clearly on an MRI scan, and are commonly used to take diagnostic images of the knees and shoulders, particularly following injuries.

MRI scanners do not use any ionizing radiation, and as such are advantageous in reducing the patient's radiation dose. They provide the patient and referring doctor with an unparalleled high-resolution view of the organ or body part being imaged. Ultimately resulting in a more efficient and accurate diagnosis of the patient’s disease process.

MRI - Surfers Paradise

Siemens MAGNETOM SKYRA 3.0 T MRI Scanner
Gold Coast Radiology Scanner:

The Siemens 3 TESLA MAGNETOM SKYRA MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) at Gold Coast radiology Surfers Paradise is the strongest clinical MRI system available and provides superior high-resolution diagnostic image quality in all body parts, but especially for prostate and breast imaging. The MAGNETOM SYKRA at Surfers Paradise is an "ultra-short" scanner, with the widest/largest “tunnel” or bore size (70cm) possible. The large bore enhances patient comfort and combined with the only “in-room” large LCD television on the Gold Coast for patients to watch during their scan, the claustrophobic feelings traditionally associated with other MRI scanners are significantly reduced.

MRI Surfers Paradise

How it works

MRI scanners do not use any ionizing (x-ray) radiation. Instead, MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including the:

  • brain and spinal cord
  • bones and joints
  • breasts
  • heart and blood vessels
  • internal organs, such as the liver, womb, or prostate gland

The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and surgery. MRI scans are most often used for looking at non-bony parts of the body, or the "soft tissues" of the body and the brain, spinal cord and nerves are seen much more clearly with an MRI scanner compared to regular X-Rays and C.T Scans. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments are also seen very clearly on an MRI scan and are commonly requested to take diagnostic images of the knees, shoulders and other joints, particularly following injuries. MRI images provide the patient and referring doctor with an unparalleled high-resolution view of the organ or body part being imaged, ultimately resulting in a more efficient and accurate diagnosis of the patient’s injury or disease process.

MRI Breast Imaging and Breast Screening

What are the main reasons for a Breast MRI?

The most recent guidelines from the American Cancer Society include screening MRI with mammography for certain high-risk women. Breast MRI option should be considered for the following:

  • Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (BRCA1 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to cancer. BRCA2 is a gene, which, when altered, indicates an inherited susceptibility to breast and/or ovarian cancer.)
  • Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, and/or daughter) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, if they have not yet been tested for the mutation
  • Women with a 20% to 25% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer, based on 1 of several accepted risk assessment tools that look at family history and other factors.
  • Women who have had radiation treatment to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30, such as for treatment of Hodgkin disease
  • Women with the genetic disorders Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome; or those who have a first degree relative with the syndrome

Other reasons for breast MRI include:

  • Further evaluation of abnormalities detected by mammography
  • Finding early breast cancers not detected by other tests, especially in women at high risk and women with dense breast tissue
  • Examination for cancer in women who have implants or scar tissue that might produce an inaccurate result from a mammogram. This test can also be helpful for women with lumpectomy scars to check for any changes.
  • Detecting small abnormalities not seen with mammography or ultrasound (for example, MRI has been useful for women who have breast cancer cells present in an underarm lymph node, but do not have a lump that can be felt or can be viewed on diagnostic studies)
  • Assessment for leakage of a silicone gel implant
  • Evaluate the size and precise location of breast cancer lesions, including the possibility that more than one area of the breast may be involved
  • Detecting changes in the other breast that has not been newly diagnosed with breast cancer (There is an approximately 10 percent chance that women with breast cancer will develop cancer in the opposite breast.
  • Detection of the spread of breast cancer into the chest wall, which may change treatment options
  • Detection of breast cancer recurrence or residual tumour after lumpectomy
  • Evaluation of a newly inverted nipple change

MRI Breast Screening:

Gold Coast Radiology is the only diagnostic imaging provider on the Gold Coast that offers patient’s MRI breast screening studies.   These abbreviated breast MRI assessments are especially useful in women who have “dense” breast tissue, and for those women who have an intermediate to high risk of developing breast cancer over their lifetime.

MRI Breast Biopsy

Lumps or abnormalities in the breast are often detected by physical examination, mammography, or other imaging studies. However, it is not always possible to tell from these imaging tests whether a growth is benign or cancerous.

A breast biopsy is performed to remove some cells from a suspicious area in the breast and examine them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis. This can be performed surgically or, more commonly, by a radiologist using a less invasive procedure that involves a hollow needle and image-guidance.

An MRI-guided breast biopsy is most helpful when a patient has a breast abnormality such as:

  • a suspicious mass not identified by other imaging techniques
  • an area of distortion
  • an area of abnormal tissue change

Our specially trained radiologists use MRI-guided breast biopsy to precisely locate and remove cells from a suspicious area in the breast for diagnosis and treatment planning.

The benefits of MRI guided breast biopsy are;

  • The procedure is less invasive than surgical biopsy, leaves little or no scarring and can be performed in less than an hour.
  • MRI-guided breast biopsy using a core needle is considered both safe and accurate.
  • Compared with stereotactic biopsy, the MRI-guided method avoids the need for ionizing radiation
  • MRI-guided breast biopsy, using either the core needle method or the vacuum-assisted device, takes less time than surgical biopsy, causes less tissue damage, and is less costly.

Recovery time is brief and patients can soon resume their usual activities.

Services

  • MRI
  • CT
  • X-Ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Mammography
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Bone Mineral Density
  • 24hr ECG Monitoring

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