Breast Imaging
Breast Imaging is established as the primary means of early detection and diagnosis for breast diseases. Our department has a Breast Imaging Centre especially dedicated for breast imaging services. Services at the Breast Imaging Centre include:
- Assessment centre for Breast Screen Singapore (BSS)
- Screening and diagnostic mammography
- Ultrasound breast
- Ultrasound axilla
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
- Mammogram-guided breast biopsy
- Image-guided fine needle aspiration
- Image-guided hookwire localisation
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography (CT) is an advanced X-ray technique that uses computer technology together with X-rays to provide high-resolution 3D images on the internal organs of the body. With these high-resolution 3D images, the radiologist and clinician are able to make more precise diagnosis or surgical planning.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy refers to use of x-rays in order to capture cine or real-time images of an organ while it is functioning. This is done using a special x-ray machine which consists of an exploratory x-ray unit and a corresponding image intensifying plate. It can be used to image many different parts of the body. It is considered particularly useful in gastro-intestinal imaging.
Some common fluoroscopic procedures include:
- Barium meal and follow-through
- Barium enema
- Micturating cystogram (MCU)
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
Intravenous Urography
Intravenous Urography, also commonly known as IVU or IVP, is an x-ray examination of the urinary system where a contrast media (x-ray dye) is used. It can help diagnose obstructions or abnormalities in your kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for diagnostic purposes (e.g. Angiogram), while others are done for treatment purposes (e.g. Angioplasty).
Imaging is used to direct these procedures, which are usually done with needles or other tiny instruments like small tubes called catheters. The images provide road maps that allow the Interventional Radiologist to guide the instruments through the body to the areas of interest.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic technique which uses strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of X-rays. This technique provides clear and detailed images of internal organs and tissues.
Some common MRI scans include:
- MRI Brain/Head/Neck
- MRI Spine/ Musculoskeletal
- MRI Vascular
- MRI Body
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is a specialty in medical imaging that makes diagnosis based on the selective uptake of radiopharmaceuticals by various bodily systems. It is sensitive to physiological and metabolic changes and is used to diagnose many types of cancers, heart diseases, endocrine disorders and other abnormalities.
PET/CT
PET/CT fuses 2 imaging modalities – combining the functional information from a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) examination with the anatomical information from a Computed Tomography (CT) examination into a single study. A PET examination is able to detect changes in cellular function on how your cells are utilizing nutrients such as sugar and oxygen. As such functional changes occur before physical changes take place; the information gathered from PET will assist your doctor in making an early diagnosis. The integration of PET and CT allows more precise information for diagnosing the presence and extent of disease, prescription of treatment and therapy progress monitoring.
Clinical Applications
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Other malignancies
- Other diseases
Plain X-ray
Plain X-ray can be used to reveal the internal structure of the body. It is used in different amounts and strengths depending on what body part is being imaged.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound involves the use of high frequency sound waves to obtain images of internal organs.
Some common ultrasound scans include:
- General Ultrasound
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Transplant Related Study
- Paediatric Ultrasound Study
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study
Read more about the procedure and preparation information in the section below.