Prevention

Fully digital mammography / MRI of the female breast

The earlier doctors discover a tumor, the greater the chances of recovery.

It is not yet clear why breast cancer develops, but unfortunately it cannot yet be prevented.

In addition to the combination of fully digital mammography and an ultrasound examination, we also offer MRI examinations of the female breast using our 3-Tesla MAGNETOM® Skyra for early detection.

Our practice has a SELENIA 3DIMENSIONS® digital mammography unit from Hologic, a high-tech breast tomosynthesis system delivering exceptional resolution.
The SELENIA 3DIMENSIONS® produces images of outstanding quality at minimal radiation doses, enabling three-dimensional mammography as well as two-slice images using tomosynthesis technology.

The tomosynthesis function of the SELENINA 3DIMENSIONS® has been certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration-USA) as superior to conventional 2D mammography in women with dense breast tissue.

MRI of the head

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head, or head MRI for short, allows us to produce detailed images of the jaw, brain, ears, eyes, nose and paranasal sinuses, as well as of other tiny structures. An MRI can provide valuable information, particularly in cases of diffuse or long-lasting headaches. Head MRI also provides insights into various neurological diseases.

Indications

The following symptoms can be clarified with an MRI examination of the head:

• • Headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances
  • Masses or tumors
  • Acoustic neuroma, prolactinoma, pituitary adenoma
  • Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke, seizure / TIA
  • Consequences of trauma, suspected sinusitis

An MRI examination of the head, like all other MRI examinations, generally causes no side effects and is completely painless. However, there are certain reasons why an MRI scan may not be an option. You should discuss this with your doctor in advance.

MRI of the prostate

Prostate carcinoma can grow for a long time without symptoms. Despite regular screening examinations, doctors are not always able to reliably detect or diagnose the disease.

Multi-parametric MRI of the prostate is currently the best method for imaging suspected tumors in the prostate.

Our 3-Tesla MRI MAGNETOM® Skyra delivers very high-resolution images of the prostate in order to visualize changes in its internal structure.

MRI of the heart

The rapid medical progress made in recent years in the field of cardiac diagnostics has made it possible to obtain ever more diverse and comprehensive information. Now one of the most important procedures in cardiac imaging, cardiac MRI produces virtually side-effect-free and high-resolution imaging without the use of X-rays. Thanks to standardized examination protocols and shorter examination times, the method has become the standard in all major hospitals and practices.

Our practice offers all of today’s cardiac MRI examination options. Following your examination, an experienced team of specialists with many years of experience in the field of non-invasive imaging will meet with you to explain and present the findings from your cardiac MRI.

Today, cardiac MRI provides basic or supplementary information for many cardiological issues, which – when embedded meaningfully in a diagnostic framework – can point the way to the right treatment for you.

Advantages of cardiac MRI

• Visualization of even complicated anatomical structures in any plane (can be used for obtaining exact measurements of the heart)
• Precise determination of anatomy, cardiac function and movement sequences
• Non-invasive (no surgical intervention, just non-invasive diagnostics from the outside)
• No exposure to X-rays (examinations can be carried out without risk and repeated as often as required)
• Well-tolerated contrast media (contrast media do not contain iodine)
• Excellent reproducibility of sectional images and measurement results compared to other imaging procedures (e.g. echocardiograms)

MRI of the joints

The joints of the body, such as the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle or wrist, play a central role in movement and stability. They consist of various structures such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles and the joint capsule. Injuries or diseases of these complex structures can cause pain, restricted mobility or inflammation.

Necessity

• Injuries such as torn ligaments, meniscus damage or cartilage injuries
• Inflammation, e.g. bursitis
• Degenerative diseases, e.g. osteoarthritis
• Tumours or cysts
• Unclear pain or swelling

MRI not only provides a precise image of the bony structures, but also, and more importantly, of soft tissue such as cartilage and ligaments. This helps to diagnose the cause of the symptoms and plan the appropriate therapy.

MRI of the spine

Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine produces detailed, high-resolution images of the backbone and the surrounding tissue. With the help of magnetic fields and radio waves, the various structures around the intervertebral discs, spinal cord, joints, nerves and soft tissue can be precisely visualised. The examination enables a precise assessment of damage or changes and provides a comprehensive basis for planning treatments.

Indications

• • Back pain of unknown cause
  • Slipped discs or nerve irritation
  • Spinal stenosis and spinal canal narrowing
  • Inflammation or infection (e.g. spondylitis)
  • Masses/tumours
  • Injuries after accidents
  • Rheumatic diseases (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis)
  • Malpositions (e.g. scoliosis)
  • Fractures caused by osteoporosis
  • Unclear neurological symptoms (e.g. micturition or defaecation disorders)

The MRI examination of the spinal column is radiation-free, completely painless and has no known side effects.

Early detection of lung diseases

In Germany, lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in men and the third most common in women.

Unfortunately, in more than half of those affected, the disease is only recognized at an advanced stage, when curative treatment is usually no longer an option.

Against this background, early detection of lung cancer is particularly important, as tumors are easier to treat in the early stages, which significantly increases the chance of a cure.

Our practice has an 80-line CT from CANON – the Aquilion Lightning SP® – delivering high-resolution, low-dose HRCT lung examinations and allowing us to detect lung tissue changes and tumors at an early stage.

A justifiable indication, such as abnormal chest X-ray findings or symptoms such as coughing and unclear pain, must be present for us to carry out an X-ray or CT scan.

Early detection of vascular diseases

According to the WHO, more than 50% of deaths from cardiovascular disease can be avoided through preventive measures. Early detection measures are therefore very important.

In addition to recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease, such as not smoking, keeping your weight in check and engaging in regular physical activity, a holistic view of your health status is also important and can be provided by modern internist diagnostic procedures (including spiroergometry, body plethysmography, cardiac ultrasound, comprehensive laboratory diagnostics).

Non-invasive examinations, such as whole-body angiography using MRI, are also part of our repertoire of diagnostic preventive measures. These procedures are highly reliable and non-invasive, and provide high-resolution images of exceptional quality.

Whole-body angiography is used for visualizing the entire vascular system, from the blood vessels at the base of the skull to those in the lower leg, without invasive procedures or radiation exposure.