Imaging screening exams are tests performed on symptom-free individuals who may have an undetected disease. These screenings can depend on age, gender, and family history. Screening exams detect disease at its earliest stage when it is most treatable. Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian utilizes safe, low-dose technology for all examinations including screening exams.
Breast Cancer Screening
Screening Mammography
A screening mammogram is an annual exam of the breast that uses low-dose, digital x-ray to detect findings that may be too small to feel. This exam can find cancer at an early stage when it is easiest to treat. Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian performs screening mammograms with state-of-the-art, fully digital equipment and utilize specialized cushions that provide extra comfort for patients during compression. All images are reviewed and interpreted by subspecialty breast radiologists using the most advanced workstations.
Cardiac Disease Screening
Calcium Score
A cardiac calcium scoring exam is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart that can be used to measure the amount of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. This screening exam identifies calcium deposits in the arteries in the heart which may be a sign of heart disease. A calcium scan can show whether or not you are at risk for having a future heart attack. This exam is quick, noninvasive and does not require any intravenous contrast.
Colon Cancer Screening
Virtual Colonoscopy
A CT colonography, or virtual colonoscopy, is a low-dose CT screening exam used to take images of the inside of your colon for both cancer prevention and for early detection of cancer. These images are examined for polyps or other irregularities using advanced computer software. No sedation is needed for this screening and very low doses of radiation is used. This exam is recommended for adults who are 50 or older when prescribed by your physician. As there are a number of different types of colon cancer screenings, this exam is among the least invasive and well-tolerated.
Osteoporosis Screening
Bone Densitometry
A bone densitometry exam (also known as DEXA) uses a very small dose of radiation to obtain pictures of your bones (usually the lower spine or hips) in order to measure bone loss. This screening exam can be used to diagnose osteoporosis and to evaluate a person’s risk for developing fractures. Your risk of developing fractures is affected by age, body weight, history of past fractures, family history of osteoporosis and lifestyle issues such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Bone densitometry screenings are simple, quick and noninvasive.
Lung Cancer Screening
Low-Dose Computed Tomography
Lung cancer forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining the air passages. A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is able to detect very small nodules in the lung and is effective for diagnosing lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. This fast and painless screening exam is recommended for symptom-free individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer. LDCT scans of the chest produce images of sufficient quality to detect many abnormalities using up to 90% less radiation than a conventional chest CT scan.
The Lung Cancer Screening Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine provides state-of-the-art, LDCT imaging for high risk individuals. Our comprehensive program is guided by a multi-disciplinary team of experts in radiology, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, and oncology and offers the highest level of service and care coordination from the initial visit to any necessary follow-up or treatment.
For more information on Lung Cancer Screening, please click here or follow the link below.