Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats certain kinds of tumors of the uterus. Fibroid tumors, also referred to as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths found in the wall of the uterus and can cause severe medical issues if left untreated. Traditionally, the only option for women with fibroid tumors was an invasive surgical procedure to remove the fibroids or even the entire uterus. The UFE procedure now allows the interventional radiologist to directly target each fibroid with embolic particles, causing the fibroids to shrink and eventually die off.

This new and innovative treatment option for women with symptomatic fibroids has revolutionized the way we treat patients, allowing for significant relief and a much faster recovery than an invasive hysterectomy. Talk with your doctor about all the risks and potential side effects of uterine fibroid embolization to see if this treatment is right for you and your condition.

UFE: Minimally Invasive Alternative to Hysterectomy

Radiologists are physicians who look at your organs and bones with x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan and determine whether they appear normal or diseased. In a sense, radiologists are more like dermatologists than any other physician. Your dermatologist is an expert of the largest, and most visible, organ of your body - your skin. And your dermatologist, through years of study and practice, has become very good at telling the normal moles on your skin from cancer usually by looking at them, and sometimes with a simple biopsy.

Much like your skin, your other organs such as your liver, pancreas, and lungs can have lesions like moles which have been there for years, have not grown, don't hurt, and are completely benign. And unfortunately, just as we get more skin moles as we get older, our other organs get more benign "age spots."

In body imaging, we sort out the normal, benign "age spots" in your internal organs such as your liver and pancreas from true small cancers using ultrasound, CT and MRI. Also, when necessary, we can perform thin needle biopsies with the help of CT and ultrasound guidance to safely obtain a tissue sample for diagnosis. Our mission is to both find early, curable cancers and to prevent unnecessary surgery for benign, non-cancerous lesions.

Body Imaging

Radioembolization is a new liver cancer treatment that combines radiation therapy with blood vessel embolization, cutting off the blood supply to and irradiating the cancerous tissue. Small resin beads filled with a radioactive isotope yttrium-90, or Y-90 for short, are placed within the blood vessels that supply the tumor. These tiny beads block the blood flow to the tumor and provide a strong dose of radiation from the inside, sparing healthy surrounding tissues.

This treatment is minimally invasive and is most often used to treat certain kinds of aggressive or metastasized tumors on the liver. This procedure is not considered a cure, but it can help to significantly alleviate symptoms for patients with progressed disease. Y-90 treatment can sometimes be used in combination with other procedures like transplantation, chemotherapy, or direct surgical excision.

Y-90 Radioembolization

Rectal cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the last six inches of the colon. Both men and women can develop rectal cancer, however, men are at higher risk. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we can directly image internal tissue. Using this imaging system, we can help medical and radiation oncologists initiate treatment and evaluate response.

Our rectal cancer staging program is recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) and includes a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan for patients with rectal cancer. At Radiology Associates, coordinating the best care for our patients is a priority. Early detection saves lives, so it’s never too soon to talk with your doctor about your risk of developing cancer.

Rectal Cancer MRI Staging (National Accreditation)

The prostate is a small gland near the bladder that produces seminal fluid and is prone to cancerous growth in older men. It is one of the most common types of cancer, however, prostate cancer is a highly treatable condition when found early. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we can directly image the prostate to localize the tumor for biopsy planning, as well as determine disease progression and spread after a diagnosis has been made. The scans are extremely valuable in determining proper treatment for patients with prostate cancer.

As we age, our risk of developing cancer increases. Having regular screenings, including screenings for prostate cancer, can help to detect the early stages of cancer. Early detection saves lives. If you’re experiencing symptoms or aging into a higher risk category, talk with your doctor about prostate screenings and regular exams. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk with your doctor about scheduling your imaging appointments with Radiology Associates today.

Prostate MRI

Oncologic Imaging is an umbrella term that covers several different kinds of imaging systems used to detect cancer. These imaging tests include computerized tomography (CT) scans, molecular or nuclear imaging (PET/SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and more. These scans can be used to assess cancerous growth, determine if it has spread, and track changes during treatment. Some imaging systems can also be used for pinpointing the specific location of the tumor, to assist the operating physician during surgery, and minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

At Radiology Associates, we have an extensive oncologic imaging department that can assist in diagnosing and treating patients with cancer. Our radiologists and imaging specialists are trained in performing each type of scan and interpreting imaging results, utilizing these powerful tools to their fullest potential and providing optimum care for every patient.

Oncologic Imaging (PET/CT, SPECT/CT, etc.)

Radiology Associates offers a complete Woman’s Imaging program to diagnose and treat common diseases in women. Specialized breast cancer screening and diagnosis include 3D mammography, ultrasound, and dedicated breast MRI for high-risk patients, new cancer diagnosis, and silicone implant rupture assessment. Image-guided breast biopsies can be performed under Ultrasound, Mammographic, or MRI guidance. Our Woman’s Hospital location is one of the few institutions in this region to offer MRI-guided breast biopsy procedures.

Obstetrics patients are offered state of the art ultrasound and, if necessary, fetal MRI, for a more detailed assessment of fetal abnormalities detected on ultrasound. Gynecologic cancer patients benefit from a multitude of detection and surveillance scans offered, including CT, PET-CT, MRI, and Nuclear Medicine exams. Our Interventional Radiology service can provide a non-surgical option to uterine fibroids called Uterine Fibroid Embolization, and other therapeutic procedures for pelvic cancer patients.

Women's Imaging

A stroke is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. When the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, the tissues are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. There are two types - hemorrhagic strokes are caused by ruptured blood vessels in the brain while ischemic strokes occur due to blockages of blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain.

Treatment depends on which kind of stroke is occurring, and quick imaging and intervention are crucial for a positive outcome. CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and other imaging systems help physicians and staff to pinpoint the bleed or blockage and determine the appropriate course of action. In the case of large ischemic-type strokes, our team of interventional radiologists utilizes a special catheter to remove the clot causing the blockage. If you’re having symptoms of a stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Rapid response to either type of stroke can significantly reduce the risk of serious disabilities.

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