Cancer Screening with Virtual Colonoscopy

Early detection of cancer and disease allows for early treatment and can significantly improve survival. Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) offers multiple screening programs for colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and osteoporosis.

Virtual Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer, but is treatable if caught early. Unlike a traditional colonoscopy, RAF’s virtual colonoscopy does not require anesthesia, intravenous lines, or a colonoscope. For the scan, you lie on the CT table for about 10 minutes. Air is introduced into the colon to take accurate images of you colon.

Lung  cancer

Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical to saving lives. When detected and treated in the earliest stage, lung cancer survival may be as high as 70%. This screening CT scan is appropriate for patients at high risk for lung cancer. After your CT scan, you will consult with one of RAF’s expert radiologists to review your scan and appropriate next steps.

Health Scan: calcium scoring

Heart disease is the number killer for both men and women in the US. RAF’s Health Scan is an excellent screening tool that measures the amount of calcium plaque in your coronary arteries. Calcium is medically proven to be a clinical marker for coronary artery disease and is a powerful predictor of heart attacks, sudden death, and other manifestations of heart disease.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer can grow silently and may not be detected by physical breast exams. RAF’s screening mammography program provides yearly scans for patients over 40 as well as younger high risk patients. If an abnormality is suspected, RAF proceeds to specialized mammographic and ultrasound imaging to further evaluate the area of concern. If necessary, minimally invasive biopsies and MRIs are also performed.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density. It results in brittle and fragile bones that are prone to fractures with minor injury or sometimes even without any injury. RAF’s DEXA screening scan measures the density of your bones. This data is then compared to other patients of your age to see if the density of your bones is lower than normal. Treatment options are available to keep you active and free from fractures.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of your aorta. As the aorta becomes larger, there is increased risk of rupture and death. For patients at risk for an aneurysm, RAF offers an ultrasound screening exam that measures the size of your abdominal aorta. If you have an aneurysm, RAF can perform a non-invasive CT or MRI angiogram to further analyze your aneurysm and direct treatment. The vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists are experts in the various treatment options for aneurysms.

RAF is happy to help you and your physician determine whether one of these screening tests is appropriate for you