Health Tips

Breast Cancer Risk Factors And 5 Easy Ways To Reduce Them

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marking a good time to check in on your own breast health. 

Breast cancer is a disease characterized by cell overgrowth in the breasts. There are several types of breast cancer; the type depends on which kind of cells are turning into cancer. While several studies have shown that your risk of breast cancer is a combination of a variety of factors, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer. 

Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

Depending on the person, breast cancer symptoms can appear differently. Some people do not show any symptoms, which is why it’s important to be sure you always complete your physical each year with your gynecologist. 

Some of the more common symptoms of breast cancer include: 

• New lump in the breast or underarm
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Any person’s risk level of breast cancer is based on a combination of factors. Being over age 50 is the biggest risk of breast cancer, though some others include: 

• Genetic mutation: Women who have inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at higher risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
• Dense breast tissue: patients with more connective than fatty tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer. Additionally, the connective tissue can make it harder to find tumors in regular mammograms.
• Reproductive health history: patients who had their period before age 12 and/or didn’t experience menopause until after 55 are more likely to get breast cancer due to being exposed to hormones over a longer period of time. 
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer: A patient's risk of developing breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) who has had breast or ovarian cancer. Having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer also raises a patient’s risk. 

Reducing Your Breast Cancer Risk

While there are several breast cancer risk factors you can’t do anything about, such as your family history or getting older, the following are risk factors you do have control over:

• Lack of physical activity: patients who don’t regularly exercise are more likely to develop breast cancer.
• Drinking alcohol: Studies show that a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks.
• Being obese or overweight post-menopause: older patients who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of breast cancer. 
• Hormone therapy: hormones taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years. Additionally, certain contraceptives have been linked to higher risks of breast cancer. 
• Reproductive history: Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.

Breast Cancer Treatment At Townsen Memorial

At Townsen Memorial, our family of hospitals are equipped with the latest in medical technology and cancer specialists. We strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. Our standard of high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and through our Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

A coronavirus is a type of virus with many different strains that may or may not cause disease. However, last year’s outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, now referred to as SARS-CoV-2, has caused an outbreak of respiratory illness called COVID-19. While a disease outbreak such as this can be frightening, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

How Is Covid-19 Spread? 

Currently, the spread of this coronavirus is being studied and monitored closely by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, and other medical centers around the world. Declared a public health emergency in January, it is still unknown how contagious the virus is, but it is believed to have originated from an animal, but may be passed from person to person.

Covid-19 Symptoms:

To clarify, early studies have shown that symptoms begin appearing in the afflicted within 14 days. Common symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of Breath
• Respiratory Problems (i.e. Pneumonia)
• In severe cases, Kidney Failure or Death

However, if you’ve traveled to Wuhan, China and are experiencing these symptoms, contact a medical healthcare provider immediately. For everyone’s safety, be sure to call before you go, explaining your recent travels and symptoms.

How To Protect Yourself

Above all, the best way to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 is to follow these suggestions from the CDC.

• If you’re sick, stay at home.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, for a minimum twenty seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer where soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Frequently clean and disinfect high-activity surfaces.

Myths About Covid-19

Most importantly, with all of the information available, it can be hard to decipher what is and isn't true about this illness. Make sure you stay informed about the disease and don’t fall for common myths:

• A vaccine for COVID-19 is not currently available. Scientists are working to develop one, but creating a safe vaccine for humans can take several months.
• You cannot prevent COVID-19 with bleach, acetic acid, steroids, essential oils, salt water, ethanol or other substances. These practices can be dangerous and don’t actually prevent you from contracting the illness.
• The 2019 Novel Coronavirus was not intentionally created or released by people. Viruses adapt over time. Occasionally, an outbreak occurs when a virus commonly found in an animal evolves and passes to humans. It is highly likely that this is how this virus originated.
• People are not dying from this coronavirus in many countries. As a result, only four people from countries other than China have died.
• Ordering products from China will not get you sick. Researchers are working diligently to determine how COVID-19 is spread. New information is emerging daily, but as of now, scientists do not believe that the virus can live for long on surfaces. It is likely that the disease is spread from an infected person’s sneeze or cough.

Trust Your Medical Professionals

If you’ve recently traveled to China and are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, don’t panic. It’s important to remember that while 1,775 deaths have been caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, more than 11,300 people have recovered from the illness.

Overall, medical institutions from across the globe are monitoring this disease very closely and are taking steps to prevent it from spreading.

Furthermore, at Townsen Memorial, your care and comfort is our priority. Conveniently located in Humble, off of FM 1960 and Highway 59, our team of certified medical professionals are available for your emergent, clinical or hospital care. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

What Is An Outpatient Imaging Center?

Imaging centers are facilities dedicated to performing medical imaging services to produce high definition images of bones, tissues, organs, blood vessels, arteries, and the nervous system. Imaging centers often include, but are not limited to, MRI, CT Scans, X-Rays, Mammography, DEXA Bone Scans, PET Scans, Electromyography, and Ultrasounds. Compared to hospitals, outpatient imaging centers have many benefits such as convenience, patient-focused care, advanced technology and being cost effective.

Convenience

Outpatient imaging centers generally have multiple locations which make them easily accessible. Their focus is imaging which means quick and easy appointment scheduling and minimal wait times.

Patient-Focused Care

Outpatient imaging centers are smaller which allows for a more personalized care. Being smaller in size also allows for easier navigation as opposed to a larger, more complex hospital building. 

Advanced Technology

Because outpatient imaging centers are specialized, it allows for highly skilled professionals and advanced technology. This ensures patients get clear and accurate images as quickly as possible.  

Cost Effective

Hospital imaging can be much pricier than at an outpatient imaging center. Average prices for MRI and CT scans at a hospital can range anywhere from 30-50% higher than at a freestanding imaging center. Therefore, patients who have not yet met their deductible could save a significant amount of their out-of-pocket costs.

Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You

At Townsen Memorial, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and up through our Townsen Memorial Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

MRI scans, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a type of diagnostic imaging test that can produce images of the body’s soft tissues and nervous system. MRIs use radio and magnetic waves to create these images rather than radiation. Whether you need an MRI for injury or illness, your doctor should walk you through the type that would be best for your condition.

Functional MRI

A Functional MRI measures blood flow to your brain and tests brain activity. This type of scan will light up when certain areas of the brain are activated. The images are used to predict or diagnose a stroke, assess a brain injury, and test for dementia or Alzheimer’s. Functional MRIs can also be used for brain mapping. Brain mapping is used to detect epilepsy or tumors and is essential for brain surgery.

Cardiac MRI

A Cardiac MRI takes detailed images of the heart and blood vessels, and allows doctors to see how your circulatory system is functioning. Your doctor will order a Cardiac MRI to detect blockages or see if there are issues with the structure of the heart. This type of MRI is also used to see damage from a heart attack, problems with the aorta, and detect tumors in the heart.

Contrast MRI

If your doctor orders a Contrast MRI, it means you will be injected with a dye that will improve the visibility of your internal structures and show up clearly in the images. Patients who cannot tolerate the dye can get Non-Contrast MRAs (Magnetic Resonance Angiography). This eliminates the need for the dye without compromising on clear imaging.

Open and Closed MRI

MRIs are usually thought to be closed in and quite claustrophobic, but with the technology now, patients can opt for Open MRIs. Patients who are obese, claustrophobic, or experience PTSD will feel more comfortable in an Open MRI.

Musculoskeletal MRI

Musculoskeletal MRIs are most common for assessing injuries or illnesses that affect the bones, joints, and muscles. This type of MRI can detect damage to the joints like tears in the cartilage, ligaments, or tendons due to injury or arthritis. It is also used to detect spinal injuries such as spinal fractures or herniated discs. Musculoskeletal MRIs are useful to detect hairline fractures which can be difficult to see in an X-Ray.

Coming soon is Townsen Memorial Hospital’s Imaging Center that will make Townsen Memorial Hospital Houston’s premier, one stop shop. From MRI to EMG, we offer a wide variety of services operated by skilled medical professionals to provide patients with the best in imaging and patient care. We not only have technological advancements, we also have a medical team that is always going to put you first. 

Townsen Memorial Hospital is Here For You

At Townsen Memorial, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and up through our Townsen Memorial Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

As scientists research and discover new trends and innovations, the landscape of medical imaging is ever-evolving. The technology that shapes and drives diagnostic imaging has grown steadily, allowing radiologists to use things like MRI, tomography and more as a window into the human body. Fortunately, this rapid growth bodes well for the future of medical imaging. Three major trends are expected to emerge, evolve and improve throughout the 2020s: 3D imaging, Artificial Intelligence, and wearable technology. 

3D Imaging

Three-dimensional imaging takes a typical CT or MRI and makes it better, allowing doctors to see a realistic rendering of the body part. Radiologists use the current CT or MRI scans, along with cinematic rendering–a process that uses augmented reality software to capture a realistic image that can be viewed from any angle. The image includes texture, which is beneficial for scans of tumors or arteries, and can aid physicians in diagnosing an illness or determining a treatment plan. 

In the future, scientists predict that the use of special eyewear along with 3D imaging will help doctors gain more important information about a specific body part or illness than ever before. And it’s likely going to be possible for doctors to 3D print a replica of the illness or body part for further use in research, diagnosis and treatment. 

All together, 3D imaging gives physicians an extremely realistic view of the medical issue at hand, requiring less guesswork when it comes to a diagnosis. 

Artificial Intelligence

A majority of companies in the medical field are now looking to Artificial Intelligence, or AI, to improve patient treatment and care. However, AI is already changing medical imaging for the better. Software is now used to develop algorithms based on patient data that can predict certain diagnoses, as well as assist radiologists in identifying issues that aren’t visible to the human eye. This helps save valuable time and resources and can lead to a more accurate diagnosis. 

Wearable Technology

Portable, or wearable, technology can be used to collect info.This technology can be used to better understand how a patient manages their health while at work or home, as well as what risks or activities could be influencing their care. 

Portable medical imaging devices, like a portable brain scanner or MRI glove are on the rise, as they are inexpensive and can assist medical professionals in making a diagnosis in any setting. If a more serious issue is discovered, the patient can be referred to the hospital or their doctor’s office for more comprehensive care. 

Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You

At Townsen Memorial, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and up through our Townsen Memorial Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487. 

What Is An Outpatient Imaging Center?

Imaging centers are facilities dedicated to performing medical imaging services to produce high definition images of bones, tissues, organs, blood vessels, arteries, and the nervous system. Imaging centers often include, but are not limited to, MRI, CT Scans, X-Rays, Mammography, DEXA Bone Scans, PET Scans, Electromyography, and Ultrasounds. Compared to hospitals, outpatient imaging centers have many benefits such as convenience, patient-focused care, advanced technology and being cost effective.

Convenience

Outpatient imaging centers generally have multiple locations which make them easily accessible. Their focus is imaging which means quick and easy appointment scheduling and minimal wait times.

Patient-Focused Care

Outpatient imaging centers are smaller which allows for a more personalized care. Being smaller in size also allows for easier navigation as opposed to a larger, more complex hospital building. 

Advanced Technology

Because outpatient imaging centers are specialized, it allows for highly skilled professionals and advanced technology. This ensures patients get clear and accurate images as quickly as possible.  

Cost Effective

Hospital imaging can be much pricier than at an outpatient imaging center. Average prices for MRI and CT scans at a hospital can range anywhere from 30-50% higher than at a freestanding imaging center. Therefore, patients who have not yet met their deductible could save a significant amount of their out-of-pocket costs.

Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You

At Townsen Memorial, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and up through our Townsen Memorial Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

If you’re like most people, you love the sun. On a breezy summer’s day, nothing feels better than the sun’s warm rays on your skin. While the sun helps plants grow and sustains life on Earth, it can also damage your skin and cause skin cancer, especially if you don’t always wear sunscreen or take other preventative measures.

During UV Awareness Month, we wanted to give you some practical tips for detecting skin cancer, and provide some insight on the diagnostic process. However, it is important to remember that prevention is the best medicine. Be sure to take important preventative steps before going outside, including wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and other protective gear, and reapplying sunscreen as advised on the bottle. (This is only a short list of the preventative measures you can take).

Early Detection

The first step in diagnosing skin cancer is a visual exam. The American Cancer Society recommends performing a self exam each month, along with your yearly physical. During an annual visit, your doctor will check you over for any suspicious spots, including those that are new, bleeding, scaling, or that have changed size, shape, color or texture. If they find something out of the ordinary, they’ll also check nearby lymph nodes to look for any swelling or irregularity. If you’re working with your dermatologist, they may also use a special magnifying glass to closely examine the spot, and they may even remove the spot completely. 

Diagnosis: Biopsy

There are two common tests used to test growths for skin cancer. During a biopsy, your doctor will numb the area before removing a sample of the tissue. In most cases, they will take the entire thing in a process known as excisional biopsy. While there are other types of biopsies, such as a shave or punch biopsy, the most effective way to treat the area is typically the excisional biopsy. 

Imaging Tests

The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, is a localized cancer and doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. However, Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are more likely to spread, so they require imaging to determine the extent of the disease and uncover the best treatment option. Your physician may order an MRI, CT Scan or X-ray to get a better picture of whether or not the cancer has spread to any other organs or bones. These procedures are all painless and non-invasive; however, if the results show the cancer has spread, a deeper, more invasive biopsy may be required. 

Skin Cancer Treatment

Treatment for skin cancer varies on a case-by-case basis, but can include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, topical treatments, immunotherapy and more. Click here to learn more about treatment options. 

Skin Cancer Detection At Townsen Memorial

At Townsen Memorial, our family of hospitals are equipped with the latest in medical imaging technology. If you suspect you may have skin cancer, or have uncovered a suspicious mole or skin tag, get in touch with your primary care physician as soon as possible. They’ll be able to do an initial exam and refer you for imaging tests if necessary. While there is no definitive cure for cancer, early detection and treatment are crucial for improved survival rates. 

We strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. Our standard of high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and through our Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

Have You Ever Wondered Why There Are Different Types Of Imaging Tests?

If your doctor has ordered a medical imaging exam for you, you might have questions about the type of scan or test you will be receiving.

There are many ways doctors use imaging to diagnose or monitor a medical condition. Different types of imaging are used for different conditions and depend on your symptoms. Imaging scans are safe and carry minimal risks, but at Townsen Memorial we want you to know what to expect so that you feel prepared and comfortable.

Types Of Imaging

An X-Ray is the most widely used medical imaging technique for bone structures since their discovery. The technique shows bone breaks, fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, and more allowing the medical staff to determine an accurate treatment plan. X-Rays are quick and painless, usually only taking 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

A CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan) uses computer-processed combinations of differently angled X-Ray measurements to see the inside of an organ without cutting into it. They allow the medical team to take a more specialized look at the problem area. CT scans are used to detect tumors, bone trauma, heart disease, and even internal lung problems. During a CT Scan, you lie on a table that slides into an x-ray tube. The tube rotates around to take the images. This process usually only takes 10 to 15 minutes.

MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. An MRI is used to diagnose internal problems, as well as a follow-up from medical procedures without exposing the patient to the radiation of an X-ray. They are used to diagnose neurological cancers, central nervous system disorders, spinal problems, and much more. During an MRI, you lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine. This process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

An Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the body. An ultrasound is typically used during pregnancy but is also used to diagnose gallbladder disease, breast lumps, joint inflammation, and much more. During this process, a technician applies a gel to your skin, then glides a transducer over the area to be scanned, capturing the images inside your body. A ultrasound is completely painless and usually only lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

An Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. This test is used to reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, or even problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission. During this process, needles (called electrodes) are inserted through the skin into the muscle. The needle records the electrical activity in that muscle and translates these signals into graphs, sounds, or numerical values that are interpreted by a specialist.

A related procedure is the Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV). This procedure measures the speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve. An NCV can determine if a nerve is damaged and is often performed at the same time as an EMG. During this process, electrode patches are attached to the skin and the nerve is stimulated.

Contact Us

Medical imaging is a useful tool for doctors to detect and diagnose certain conditions and illnesses. At Townsen Memorial, we offer a wide variety of services, including imaging tests, operated by a skilled medical staff to provide patients with the best in imaging care. We offer imaging in various locations. Our main hospital location is located in Humble, TX off of FM 1960 and Highway 59. We also have 2 imaging center locations. Townsen Memorial Imaging Center- Med Center is located at 3003 S. Loop W. Suite 140 in Houston, Texas. Townsen Memorial Imaging Center- Spring is located at 3301 Spring Stuebner Rd., Suite 120 in Spring, Texas. If you have any questions visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.

If you’ve ever needed to get imaging done at a hospital, you’ve interacted with a radiologist. Radiologists are medical doctors that specialize in both diagnosing and treating illnesses using medical imaging.Imaging can include X-rays, MRIs, PET Scans, CTs, ultrasounds and more. Below we dive into what radiologists do, including different radiology specialties and treatment. 

Schooling

To become a radiologist, doctors go through thirteen years of schooling, including four years of medical school, a four year residency and often a one- to two-year fellowship for specialized training. Fellowships are often required for those who want to go into oncology, pediatric, or interventional radiology. Additionally, radiologists are required to continue their education throughout their careers to maintain their certification. 

Types Of Radiologists

There are three main types of radiologists: radiation, diagnostic and interventional.

Radiation: These highly-trained doctors prescribe and oversee treatment for cancer patients. They use radiation therapy to treat cancer, while also monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatments as needed. Radiation radiologists undergo many facets of training to prepare them for their roles, including extensive cancer medicine education, how to safely use radiation to treat disease, as well as how to manage any and all side effects caused by radiation. 

Diagnostic: This type of radiologist does pretty much what you would expect from their name. They use medical imaging to diagnose a patient’s condition. Acting as a supplement to your referring physician, these doctors perform, interpret and report the results of your scans, and even help your doctor devise the best treatment plan or recommend additional testing if necessary.

Diagnostic radiologists may also specialize in the following: 

• Breast Imaging/Mammograms
• Cardiovascular
• Pediatric
• Head and Neck
• Emergency
• Chest
• Neuroradiology
• Musculoskeletal
• Gastrointestinal
• Genitourinary radiology

Interventional: These doctors diagnose and treat patients with minimally-invasive techniques, such as MRIs and X-rays. After creating minute incisions in the body, they guide tiny instruments to the source of the problem to deliver treatment. Interventional radiologists treat many diseases this way, including, but not limited to:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Uterine fibroids
• And more

This technique is beneficial to patients because the procedures pose less risk and require less recovery time than more traditional surgical methods. 

Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You

At Townsen Memorial Hospital in Humble, TX, our medical staff is experienced in all aspects of radiology–from cancer treatment to diagnostic imaging. We’re conveniently located off of 59N and FM 1960 at the corner of 1960 & Townsen Rd. to ensure you can arrive safely and quickly should you need medical attention. With a 24/7 emergency room and a hospital staff trained in all specialties, we’re here for you when you need us. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.