Pottstown Memorial Medical Center's (PMMC) commitment to acquiring the technology found at major metropolitan medical centers is paying off...for patients. PMMC radiologists and oncologists are using some of the most advanced technology available to detect and treat disease.
For patients this means that today, with regular screenings using PMMC's advanced diagnostic technology, abnormal findings are detected much sooner, paving the way for earlier treatment and dramatically increasing chances of a good outcome.
According to Paula Lenane, Director of Imaging Services at PMMC, "Our goal is to deliver the same high-quality care and portfolio of imaging services you would normally find at much larger facilities. We want to make sure that everyone in our community can get the advanced care they need close to home."
PMMC's MRI: open and closed
PMMC offers both open and closed magnets, and both types of MRI are frequently used to confirm whether a patient has had a stroke, or to find tumors, herniated discs, tears and other ailments. "There are many reasons why having the choice of closed or open MRI technology is important for the patient and the physician," says Ms. Lenane.
Doctors often prefer closed MRI because it's quicker and the stronger magnet (1.5 Tesla) provides better image quality than open MRI's (.3-.5 Tesla). For some cases, a closed MRI is the only option because it lets doctors see deep organ structures as well as detect problems with circulatory diseases.
Open MRI is important for patients who are uncomfortable being in an enclosed space. PMMC's open MRI provides the patient with a much more relaxed atmosphere, thus making the exam more tolerable. For patients who have metal joint replacements, open MRI produces fewer artifacts that can interfere with a diagnostic report.
"Our robust MRI technology is not the only feature we are proud of," says Ms. Lenane. "Over the past two years we have posted very high patient and physician satisfaction ratings (typically in the 90% range). We are proud of the service we are able to provide."
PMMC's scanning technologies
Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that has become a vital imaging tool in the diagnosis of recurrent cancer, and certain heart and neurological disease processes.
The patient lies in the center of the scanner and receives an injection of a tracer sugar, or glucose, "tagged" with radioactive material that quickly clears the body after the test. The tagged glucose travels throughout the body and is trapped by cancer cells, which cannot process the glucose as well as normal tissue does. The scanner rotates around the body and detects any emissions given off by the radioactive material. Because glucose collects more in cancer cells than in healthy ones, the PET scan can pick up small areas of increased activity. Because PET scans deal with activity at a cellular level, often times, cancer can be found before it is visible on an X-ray or CT scan.
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can often detect a lump nearly two years before a woman can feel it, a crucial reason why women over the age of 40 should have annual mammograms to help in the early detection of breast cancer.
Computed Axial Tomography (CAT Scan), or CT scan, provides images of the whole body in cross section (much like taking a slice of bread from a loaf and looking at it from all directions). CAT scanning has become a powerful imaging tool in the detection of abnormalities of bones, organs, and pulmonary and vascular systems.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation oncologists use PET and CT images to treat cancer patients. PET and CT images generate three-dimensional models for the oncologist to target and treat cancerous lesions.
Whatever testing you are scheduled to undergo, it's a good idea to educate yourself about the technology. "It's important to understand why certain equipment is being used and to know that sometimes it is necessary to have multiple tests performed to create images that will help with a diagnosis," says Ms. Lenane.
"Understanding the process helps the patient understand the need for various tests, and can help allay fears about the outcome. The more you know about your scheduled tests, the more comfortable you will feel."
For more information on diagnostic procedures, visit www.pottstownmemorial.com. Click the Discovery Hospital logo.
OUTPATIENT MRI LOCATIONS Open and Closed MRI: Pottstown Scanning and Treatment Center 1611 Medical Drive Pottstown, PA 19464 610-327-7300 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Open MRI: PMMC Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Services Center 23 N. Walnut Street Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-8844 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open one Saturday a month - call for dates/times
