Wake Radiology Expands Services
Wake Radiology has opened a fixed MRI facility in Cary at the practice’s Ashville Avenue campus. The new Siemens Magnetom Essenza 1.5 Tesla unit is an ultra short-bore MRI, which makes exams more comfortable for patients. MRI – magnetic resonance imaging – uses powerful magnets, radiofrequency pulses, and computer technology to produce detailed images of the body. MRI shows the anatomy clearly, which allows the radiologist to diagnose many conditions.
“While we have offered mobile MRI services in the past, this is our first fixed MRI in Cary,” noted Margaret King, chief operating officer at Wake Radiology. “We are offering weekend and evening appointments for the convenience of patients who cannot schedule time away from work or school during typical business hours.”
Cary MRI, located in suite 180 at 300 Ashville Avenue, is adjacent to Wake Radiology’s general radiology, PET ·CT, radiation oncology, interventional services and breast imaging centers. The office accepts appointments with physician referral Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In 2009, Wake Radiology began offering Positron Emission Tomography and Computerized Tomography (PET·CT) at the Ashville Avenue campus. This joint effort by WakeMed Health & Hospitals and Wake Radiology brought a diagnostic option, previously not available in Wake County, to our Cary office. This integrated unit will enable patients to receive a PET scan and contrast CT scan in combination, replacing multiple imaging tests with just one patient visit, resulting in a detailed study.
Holly Burge, MD, director, PET·CT services, Wake Radiology explained the significance of the new technology and services. “By using the combined technology, we can identify cancerous cells in many cases at an earlier stage than more traditional modalities such as CT alone or MRI. Additionally, patients in Wake County often have to travel out of the county or wait for a PET-CT scan appointment. Understandably, this wait greatly increases anxiety when faced with a potentially life-changing cancer diagnosis. This new scanner will significantly expand capacity for patients.”
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computerized Tomography (CT) work together to more accurately pinpoint the location of cancer within the body. CT provides anatomical detail such as the size and location of a tumor or mass, while PET shows the actual cellular activity within the body. The images from the PET and CT are overlaid so that physicians can precisely locate areas of interest and determine if a cancerous process is occurring.
The combined scanner is used to detect tumors including those in the breast, esophagus, cervix, head and neck, ovaries, lungs and colon. It’s beneficial in diagnosing and staging many cancers including melanoma and lymphoma as well as evaluating solitary pulmonary nodules.
Besides offering MRI and PET·CT at Wake Radiology’s Ashville Avenue campus, we also offer a full range of diagnostic imaging services including, CT, x-ray, digital mammography, bone densitometry, Ultrasound and fluoroscopy as well as interventional therapies for varicose and spider veins. Wake Radiology Oncology Service offers cancer consultations and a full range of radiation therapies for all cancer types. Wake Radiology offers some services at the Ashville Avenue campus during extended evening and weekend hours. To schedule an appointment, call WR Express Scheduling at 919-232-4700.
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