South Central Regional Medical Center - The Center for All Your Health Needs

At South Central Regional Medical Center Diagnostic Imaging has reached amazing new heights. Now physicians can easily diagnose a large variety of health problems. Most importantly, these new advances make it possible to diagnose conditions sooner, improving the chance of recovery.

At South Central Regional Medical Center, your physician has some of the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology available. South Central Regional Medical Center's Radiology Department provides CT scanning; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); and Nuclear Medicine, which includes nuclear screening, color flow ultrasound, and diagnostic x-rays. Vascular Interventional Radiology performs a number of valuable diagnostic services and requires the expertise of our Vascular Interventional Radiologists.

The new GE Signa LX High Speed MRI system installed at South Central Regional Medical Center in September is the forefront of medical imaging technology. It is equipped with the 1.5 Tesla CX magnet combined with high strength Horizon gradients, the combination of which allows high resolution images with a shorter exam time, typically 20-30 minutes. This all translates to better diagnostic imaging to provide the physicians with accurate information to help provide diagnosis and treatment.

The Signa MR unit is designed with a short bore and a flared design to reduce patient anxiety and provide a higher level of patient comfort. The scanner is located in a nice suite and is equipped with fans and track lighting all to enhance the patient's MRI experience. This unit is upgraded with the latest technological advances as they become available and is the only high field (1.5 tesla) magnet in the South Central Regional Medical service area. The advantage of high the field strength magnet is the ability to acquire higher quality images in a shorter time frame than low to mid field strength magnets (.2-1.0 Tesla).

Our MRI Technologists are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist as MRI Technologists. Together they have a combined 12 years of MRI imaging experience, as well as 25 years combined radiology experience. This experience aids them in their quest to provide the best patient care possible in the MR environment.

If you are scheduled for a knee, lower leg or an ankle test, you may bring some reading material. The hospital will provide you with scrubs or gowns for your exam. We also provide lockable lockers for your valuables.

For the extreme claustrophobic, or patient's in severe pain, that cannot rest easily, we offer sedation services if scheduled in advance. Instructions will be provided when scheduled.

We request you bring any plain film x-rays you may have had on the areas to be scanned, as this will assist the Radiologist in reading your exam.

For more information, please call 601.426.4052.

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system and high-contrast, high-resolution film for examination of the breasts. Most medical experts agree that successful treatment of breast cancer often is linked to early diagnosis. Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.

Before scheduling a mammogram, the ACS and other specialty organizations recommend that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.

Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before you're your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

*Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms on the day of the exam. These can appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots.

*Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
*If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
*Ask when your results will be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor of the mammography facility.

In addition, before the examination, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist and you will be given a gown or loose-fitting material that opens in the front.

During mammography, a specially-qualified radiologic technologist will position you to image your breast. The breast is first placed on a special cassette and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other soft plastic).

The examination process should take about half an hour. When the mammogram is completed you will be asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed.

A radiologist, who is a physician experienced in mammography and other x-ray examinations, will analyze the images, describe any abnormalities, and suggest a likely diagnosis. The report will be dictated by the radiologist, and then sent to your referring physician. You will also be notified of the results by the mammography facility. This notification is usually sent a few days after the official report goes to your doctor.

If you do not receive a letter form The BreastCare Center within two (2) weeks, please call 601/426-4048.

Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

False Positive Mammograms. Between 5 and 10% percent of mammogram results are abnormal and require more testing (more mammograms, fine needle aspiration, ultrasound, or biopsy), and most of the follow-up tests confirm that no cancer was present. It is estimated that a woman who has yearly mammograms between ages 40 and 49 would have about a 30 percent chance of having a false-positive mammogram at some point in that decade, and about a 7 to 8 percent chance of having a breast biopsy within the 10-year period. The estimate for false-positive mammograms is about 25 percent for women ages 50 or older.

South Central offers screening and diagnostic mammograms by physician order. Mammo pads are used for patient comfort.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET):

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) services are provided at South Central Regional Medical Center. This unique noninvasive imaging technology produces three-dimensional images of the heart, brain or other organs. PET scans are often used in the diagnosis and management of cancer, brain disorders and heart disease. PET scan images can provide information on blood flow, oxygen consumption, glucose metabolism and concentrations of various compounds in selected organs. Heart related uses of the PET scan include evaluating the function of blood flow to the heart in order to detect any signs of coronary artery disease. Other uses include scanning the brain for injury after a head trauma or for the presence of a tumor. South Central Regional Medical has seen great advancements in diagnostic imaging technology. The addition of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan services illustrates South Central's continued commitment providing advanced medical technology to the residents of South Central Mississippi.

South Central's Radiology Department, Radiologists, and Technologists are accredited by the American College of Radiology.