Imaging Centers

So your doctor says you need an MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medicalimaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of organs within a patient’s body.

If this is your first time getting an MRI, there are some things your doctor may not have mentioned that you will probably want to know. Keep these tips in mind so that you will be more mentally and physically prepared. 

1. It’s Loud

Expect loud banging sounds during your MRI. You can bring foam earplugs to help with the noise. 

2. You May Be In Longer Than Scheduled

In some cases, your procedure could go on for longer than expected so make sure you’ve had a bite to eat and used the bathroom beforehand. 

3. Don’t Wear Jewelry

An MRI uses magnetic waves so leave all your jewelry at home. 

4. Don’t Apply Makeup

This goes for lotions, deodorants, sunscreen, or nail polish. These products can contain metal that can interact with MRI magnets. 

5. Anxiety Can Set In

If you suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia, ask the ordering physician if an open MRI is a good alternative. 

6. Let Your Doctor Know About Any Tattoos

Tattoos may have dyes that can heat up in an MRI and cause skin irritation or burning. 

7. You’ll Feel Warm

Because of radio waves, some people do feel a little warmer and their body temperature may go up by a degree, but it is not a cause for concern. 

8. Don’t Move

If you move during the procedure, the images may not produce results and the whole process will have to be restarted.

9. There Is No Radiation

Unlike an X-Ray or CT Scan, an MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves. It will not expose you to radiation. 

At Townsen Memorial Hospital, we use MRIs to diagnose internal problems, as well as to follow up from medical procedures without exposing the patient to the radiation of an X-ray. Depending on each patient and his or her symptoms, MRIs can be a better alternative than other types of imaging, such as CT Scans and X-Rays. We carry the 1.5 Tesla Closed High-Field MRI and the .3 Tesla Open MRI.

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.

Early detection can help save lives, particularly when it comes to breast cancer. During a breast cancer screening, your doctor checks your breasts for signs of cancer, such as lumps or changes in the tissue. The most common imaging tests done to check for breast cancer are mammograms and ultrasound of the breast. Women should get annual screenings to ensure nothing has changed or developed that may be a cancer risk. If your doctor finds something unusual that will require another look, e.g., a hard lump, they may send you to get medical imaging done to check whether it is cancerous or benign.

Mammography

A mammogram is a picture of the breasts taken using x-ray imaging. It is one of the most commonly used screening tools to detect breast cancer. In some cases, mammograms allow doctors to detect breast cancer up to three years before a tumor is palpable. A woman with an average risk of breast cancer can benefit from getting mammograms starting at age 40. However, a woman with a higher risk, i.e., has a family history of breast cancer, may want to start screening earlier. It is very important to know your family history so that you can take the best course of action. For instance, if your mother had breast cancer at age 45, your doctor may ask that you start your mammogram screenings ten years prior to her age of diagnosis, which is at 35. 

During a mammogram, your breast rests on a plate while a second plate gets lowered on top of the breast pushing it flat to hold it still while the x-ray machine takes the image. The radiology technician performing the test will capture images from the front and the side, taking four pictures total, two of each breast. Depending on your level of sensitivity, while the procedure may be a little uncomfortable, it should not be painful and should be done pretty quickly.

A disadvantage of a mammogram is that some women can have dense breast tissue, which makes it hard to find tumors because they both appear white on the images. In that case, an ultrasound is usually ordered alongside the mammogram. 

There are many factors that affect whether mammography is able to detect breast cancer:

• The age and weight of the patient.
• The size and type of tumor.
• Where the tumor has formed in the breast.
• How sensitive the breast tissue is to hormones.
• How dense the breast tissue is.
• The timing of the mammography within the woman’s menstrual cycle.
• The quality of the mammogram picture.
• The skill of the radiologist in reading the mammogram.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound, or sonogram, uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the body. It does not use radiation so it is generally safe for those who need to avoid x-rays, such as pregnant women. A breast ultrasound can be helpful to your radiologist if they had trouble seeing your mammogram images due to dense breast tissue.

During an ultrasound, your technician will hold a wand, known as a transducer, over the breasts throughout the imaging test. The transducer sends sound waves that bounce off the breast tissue, traveling back to the transducer and creating an image.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Your doctor is very likely to order both tests as there are several notable differences between the two: 

1. The imaging modality 
2. The quality of the images produced
3. The reasons for the imaging

A breast ultrasound alone is not currently a recommended screening tool for breast cancer, because it can miss many early signs of a tumor. However, some patients might be better candidates for an ultrasound as opposed to a mammogram. Pregnant women, for instance, should usually avoid having x-rays performed unless the imaging is essential. A breast ultrasound might also be a better option for younger women, particularly those in their 20s.

Whether an ultrasound or mammogram is the right option for you depends on your needs and your doctor’s recommendations.

Townsen Memorial Hospital’s Imaging Center in Humble is now open! From Ultrasounds to Mammograms, 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, but 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.

Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, especially if you don’t have the answers as to why you’re feeling the way you are. Fortunately, if you are living with pain, there are a variety of things your physician can do to help determine the cause. 

Most likely, your doctor will begin with bloodwork. From there, they may order a number of tests to help diagnose the cause of your pain. We’ve listed the eight most common below, and what you can expect from each of them. 

MRI

An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, allows your doctor to see a clear picture of your internal health without the use of X-rays. Using a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer, an MRI takes anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on how many images your physician orders. You may be required to drink a contrast liquid to help produce clearer images. Because MRIs use a magnet, certain patients, such as those with a pacemaker, should not participate. 

CT Scan

CT scans, or Computed Tomography scans, use a combination of computers and X-rays to produce a clear image of a specific cross-section of the body. While the test is happening, you’ll be instructed to lie as still as possible, while the donut-shaped scanning device moves around your body. If it will help create clearer images, your doctor may give you a shot of solution before you begin. Like MRIs, most CT scans can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. 

Discography

These tests are used to diagnose patients who are considering surgery for chronic back pain. During the test, your doctor will inject dye into the disc that is suspected of causing your pain. The dye can highlight damaged areas that may be contributing to the problem. 

Myelogram

Another test for back pain, a myelogram involves your doctor injecting dye into your spinal canal in order to identify nerve compression caused by a fracture or herniated disc.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks can not only help diagnose the cause of your pain, they can help treat it as well. During the procedure, your doctor will inject an anesthetic into a nerve location where you most severely experience pain. They may rely on an imaging test to determine the best place to inject the nerve block. Your response to the procedure can inform your doctor on possible causes of pain. 

EMG

An EMG, or electromyogram, helps your physician measure muscle activity. They’ll place small needles into your muscles and check their response to electroactivity. 

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, sometimes referred to as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of your body. The sound waves echos are then recorded and displayed as an image in real-time. 

Bone Scan

To help diagnose and keep an eye on infection, doctors use bone scans to measure problems or disorders of the bone. They’ll first inject a radioactive material into your bloodstream. The material collects in your bones and can cluster in areas that aren’t functioning normally, to help your doctor determine the cause of your pain. 

Pain Care At Townsen Memorial

At Townsen Memorial, treating your pain safely, effectively, and affordably is our top priority. 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.

Ultrasound can be used for numerous reasons, from examining a fetus to diagnosing pain, swelling, and infection in the body. It can also be a helpful guide forbiopsies or assess any damage after a heart attack. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use any radiation.

How Does An Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound is an examination that uses sound waves to create an image. The image the ultrasound creates is called a sonogram. Ultrasound is a safe imaging method used to see tissue. Sound waves from the probe penetrate the skin, bounce off structures, and return to the probe and CPU. The computer then translates the data and produces an image. Various body tissues conduct sound differently, and some tissues absorb sound waves while others reflect them. The density of the tissue dictates the speed at which the echoes return.

Learning The Colors

Fluid is always black, and tissue is gray. The denser the tissue, the brighter white it will appear. In ultrasound, any bone is bright white. The more that the waves can penetrate something, the darker it appears on the image. Therefore, amniotic fluid and blood will look black on a sonogram. Tissue appears in shades of gray because the sound waves can only penetrate a certain amount.

Image Orientation

Have you ever had an ultrasound done and wondered what you were looking at? First, when looking at a sonogram, start at the top of the image and work your way down. The top is where the probe rests, and the image that you see shows what the organs and tissues look like from the side. For instance, if you were looking at a sonogram of a uterus, the further down the sonogram image you look, you will see the deeper tissues towards the back.

Townsen Memorial Imaging Center in Humble opened its doors in October, making it the third imaging location throughout the Houston area. Townsen offers 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, but 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.

At Townsen Memorial Health System, embracing innovation is a core part of our mission, which is why we strive to employ the latest technologies, treatments, and methods to enhance your health outcomes. Today, we delve into the cutting-edge medical imaging machines utilized across our Imaging Centers. In this series, we'll explore the capabilities of these state-of-the-art technologies, from MRI and CT scanners to ultrasound and X-ray machines, highlighting their pivotal roles in diagnosis and treatment, and letting you know at which of our convenient and accessible locations you can find them.

MRI Machines

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines use a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of the body. They are used for diagnosing conditions involving soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, and organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart. It can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, including tumors, injuries, infections, and neurological disorders.

Townsen Memorial Health System employs three types of MRI machines across its imaging facilities:

1.5T 450 Wide Bore MRI 

This machine operates at a magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla (T), which is a measure of the strength of the magnetic field. The "Wide Bore" refers to the size of the opening of the MRI machine. Wide-bore machines have a larger opening compared to traditional machines, making them more comfortable for patients, especially those who may feel claustrophobic. They are suitable for a wide range of diagnostic procedures and can accommodate larger patients or those with mobility issues.

1.5T 450 Wide Bore MRI Machines are available at Townsen Memorial Imaging Centers in Humble and Katy.

1.5T MRI 

This is a traditional MRI machine operating at the same magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla. While it may not have a wide bore, it still provides high-quality images and is suitable for most diagnostic procedures. However, patients who are claustrophobic or larger in size may feel more comfortable in a wide-bore machine.

1.5T MRI Machines are available at Townsen Memorial Imaging Centers in Med Center, Spring, and Southwest.

0.3T Open MRI

Unlike traditional MRI machines, open MRI machines do not enclose the patient in a tunnel. Instead, they have open sides, which can help alleviate feelings of claustrophobia and accommodate patients who are larger in size or have difficulty lying still. Open MRI machines may have slightly lower magnetic field strengths compared to traditional machines, but they are still capable of producing diagnostic-quality images. They are often preferred for pediatric patients and individuals with anxiety or mobility issues.

0.3T Open MRI Machines are available at Townsen Memorial Imaging Centers in Med Center, Spring, and Southwest.

CT Scanners

CT (Computed Tomography) scanners use X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are indispensable for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including:

Trauma: CT scans are often used to assess injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system resulting from trauma, such as fractures, internal bleeding, and organ damage.

Infections: CT scans can identify areas of inflammation or infection in various parts of the body, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as pneumonia, appendicitis, and abscesses.

Vascular Conditions: CT angiography is a specialized CT technique used to visualize blood vessels and diagnose conditions such as aneurysms, arterial blockages, and vascular malformations.

Guidance for Procedures: CT scans can be used to guide needle biopsies, drain abscesses, or assist in surgical planning by providing detailed images of the anatomy.

Overall, CT scanners are versatile diagnostic tools that provide valuable information across a wide range of medical specialties, helping healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.

CT Scanners are available at all Townsen Imaging Centers.

Advanced Medical Imaging at Townsen Memorial Health System

We hope you enjoyed this peek at how these advanced diagnostic services empower our healthcare providers to deliver superior care while ensuring convenience and accessibility for patients across our network of locations. Stay tuned for the next installment as we uncover the transformative impact of these innovations on diagnosis and healthcare delivery within the Townsen Memorial Health System! You can learn more about our Imaging Centers here, or give us a call if you have any questions or inquiries!

Welcome back to the second installment of this series about the advanced medical imaging technologies employed at Townsen Memorial Health System. You can find Part 1 here. In this edition, we delve deeper into the world of medical imaging, focusing on three more diagnostic tools. These technologies play a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services across the Townsen Memorial Health System.

3D Mammogram Machines

3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), is an advanced imaging technique used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis. 3D mammography is particularly useful for:

Breast Cancer Screening: 3D mammography is more effective than traditional mammography at detecting breast cancer, especially in women with dense breast tissue. It can detect smaller cancers that may not be visible on 2D images and reduce the need for additional imaging or follow-up tests.

Diagnostic Imaging: 3D mammography can be used to evaluate breast abnormalities detected on screening mammograms or clinical exams. It helps differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, guiding further diagnostic procedures, such as biopsies or ultrasound examinations.

High-Risk Screening: Women at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or a genetic predisposition, may benefit from 3D mammography as part of their screening regimen. It provides more comprehensive and accurate imaging, improving the early detection of breast cancer in high-risk populations.

Overall, 3D mammography offers significant advantages over traditional mammography, including improved cancer detection rates, reduced false positives, and enhanced diagnostic accuracy. It is a valuable tool in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

3D Mammogram Machines are available at Townsen Memorial Imaging Centers in Humble and Southwest.

DEXA Scan Machines

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan machines are used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and assess a person's risk of osteoporosis and fractures. DEXA scans are good for:

Diagnosing Osteoporosis: DEXA scans are the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing bone health. They can detect even small changes in bone density, allowing healthcare providers to identify osteoporosis early and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent fractures.

Monitoring Treatment Response: DEXA scans can be used to monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment over time. By comparing bone density measurements from follow-up scans to baseline measurements, healthcare providers can determine whether treatment is slowing the rate of bone loss or increasing bone density.

Fracture Risk Assessment: DEXA scans provide valuable information about a person's risk of fracture based on their bone density measurements. Healthcare providers use this information, along with other risk factors such as age, sex, and medical history, to assess fracture risk and develop personalized treatment plans to reduce the risk of fractures.

Overall, DEXA scans play a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis and fractures. They provide accurate and reliable measurements of bone mineral density, helping healthcare providers assess bone health and make informed decisions about treatment and fracture prevention strategies.

The DEXA Scan Machine is available at the Townsen Memorial Imaging Center in Humble.

X-ray Machines

Despite being the first medical imaging technology, X-ray machines are still used for a variety of diagnostic procedures, including:

Bone Fractures: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose and assess bone fractures. They can reveal the location, extent, and alignment of fractures, helping healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment.

Pulmonary Conditions: Chest X-rays are used to evaluate the lungs and diagnose conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and collapsed lung (pneumothorax).

Digestive System: X-rays of the abdomen can detect abnormalities in the digestive organs, such as bowel obstructions, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal perforations.

Orthopedic Conditions: X-rays can assess joint conditions such as arthritis, detect dislocations, and evaluate orthopedic implants.

More than a century since they were first used, X-ray machines are still valuable diagnostic tools that provide detailed images of the inside of the body, helping healthcare providers diagnose a wide range of medical conditions and injuries.

X-ray Machines are available at all Townsen Imaging Centers.

Advanced Diagnostic Services at Townsen Memorial Health System

We hope you enjoyed learning about the versatility, effectiveness, and importance of these various imaging technologies in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. These advanced diagnostic services enhance patient care and contribute to improved health outcomes throughout Townsen Memorial Health System’s network of convenient and accessible locations. Next time, we close out this series by discussing Ultrasound, EMG, and ECHO imaging technologies and what they bring to the table. You can click here to check out which of our Imaging Centers is closest to you and what kind of services they have available. For other questions and inquiries, you can give us a call now!

Welcome to the final installment of our blog series about the advanced medical imaging technologies that are available across the Townsen Memorial Health System. If you like, you can read Part 1 and Part 2 first. In this concluding entry, we shift our focus to three essential imaging technologies: ultrasound, EMG (Electromyography), and ECHO (Echocardiography). These cutting-edge diagnostic tools are integral components of our comprehensive healthcare offerings at Townsen Memorial Health System.

Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound machines use sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. They are good for a variety of diagnostic procedures, including:

Pregnancy Monitoring: Ultrasound is commonly used during pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, assess fetal anatomy, and detect any abnormalities.

Abdominal Imaging: Ultrasound can visualize organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and bladder. It is used to diagnose conditions such as gallstones, kidney stones, liver tumors, and abdominal masses.

Pelvic Imaging: Ultrasound can assess the reproductive organs in both men and women, including the uterus, ovaries, and prostate gland. It is used to diagnose conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and prostate enlargement.

Vascular Imaging: Ultrasound can visualize blood flow in the arteries and veins, helping to diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, arterial blockages, and aneurysms.

Musculoskeletal Imaging: Ultrasound can assess soft tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It is used to diagnose conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, muscle tears, and joint inflammation.

Overall, ultrasound machines are versatile diagnostic tools that provide real-time imaging of the body's internal structures without the use of ionizing radiation. They are safe, non-invasive, and widely used in medical practice for a variety of diagnostic purposes.

Ultrasound Machines are available at all Townsen Imaging Centers.

EMG Machines

EMG (Electromyography) machines are used to measure the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves that control them. These machines are used for several diagnostic procedures, such as:

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): In addition to EMG, many EMG machines also perform nerve conduction studies. NCS measure the speed and strength of electrical signals as they travel along the nerves. They are used to diagnose conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and nerve injuries.

Muscle Disorders: EMG can diagnose various muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and myopathies. It can assess muscle function, detect abnormalities in muscle activation patterns, and differentiate between primary muscle disorders and nerve-related conditions.

Peripheral Neuropathy: EMG can evaluate the function of peripheral nerves and diagnose peripheral neuropathies, which are conditions that affect the peripheral nervous system. It can help determine the location and severity of nerve damage and guide treatment decisions.

Spinal Cord Disorders: EMG can assess the function of nerves in the spinal cord and diagnose conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and radiculopathy (nerve root compression). It can localize the site of nerve compression or injury and differentiate between spinal cord disorders and peripheral nerve disorders.

Overall, EMG machines are valuable diagnostic tools for evaluating neuromuscular function and diagnosing a wide range of conditions affecting the muscles and nerves. They provide valuable information that helps healthcare providers develop treatment plans and monitor the progression of neuromuscular disorders.

EMG Machines are available at all Townsen Imaging Centers.

Echocardiography Machines

Echocardiography (ECHO) machines use ultrasound technology to create images of the heart and its surrounding structures. ECHO machines are a for several diagnostic procedures, including:

Assessment of Cardiac Function: Echocardiography is used to assess the overall function of the heart, including its pumping ability (ejection fraction), chamber sizes, wall thickness, and overall cardiac performance. It helps diagnose conditions such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Valvular Heart Disease: Echocardiography can evaluate the structure and function of the heart valves, including the mitral valve, aortic valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve. It helps diagnose conditions such as valve regurgitation (leakage) or stenosis (narrowing) and assess the severity of valve disease.

Congenital Heart Defects: Echocardiography is used to diagnose and assess congenital heart defects, which are structural abnormalities present at birth. It helps evaluate the anatomy and function of the heart and guides treatment decisions for conditions such as atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Cardiac Masses and Tumors: Echocardiography can detect the presence of abnormal masses or tumors in the heart, such as atrial myxomas or cardiac tumors. It helps assess the size, location, and characteristics of these masses and guides treatment planning.

Overall, echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating cardiac structure and function, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the progression of heart disease. It is safe, non-invasive, and widely used in medical practice for patients of all ages.

ECHO machines are available at all Townsen Imaging Centers.

Find The Latest Medical Technology at Townsen Memorial Imaging Centers

Thank you for joining us as we explored the capabilities, applications, and significance of medical imaging in providing accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. As new medical imaging technologies emerge in the future, you can be sure that Townsen Memorial Health System will be among the first to use them to empower our healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care. Be sure to keep an eye out for our new locations as Townsen Memorial Health System expands to put excellent individualized care within reach of even more people. For any questions or inquiries, contact us here.

At Townsen Memorial Health System, we're committed to delivering compassionate, individualized care to all patients. Our focus on accessibility and innovation drives us to continuously enhance healthcare outcomes using the latest technologies and treatments. With this ethos in mind, we're thrilled to introduce our brand-new Surgery Center and Imaging Center in Katy, Texas. These state-of-the-art facilities are poised to bring high-quality medical services closer to the community, ensuring that individuals in the Greater Houston Area have access to the care they need when they need it most.

Welcome to Townsen Memorial Surgery Center - Katy

Our newest surgery center is outfitted with four advanced operating rooms, ensuring that we can cater to your specialized healthcare needs with precision and efficiency. Led by a team of highly trained doctors, surgeons, and support staff, we offer a comprehensive range of outpatient procedures designed to prioritize your comfort and well-being. From bariatric surgery to urology procedures, our services cover a diverse spectrum of healthcare needs. Whether you're seeking treatment for orthopedic issues or interventional pain management, you can trust Townsen Memorial Surgery Center - Katy to provide personalized care tailored to your unique requirements. Experience excellence in healthcare at our state-of-the-art facility, where your health and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Experience Advanced Imaging Excellence at Townsen Memorial Imaging - Katy

Right next door to our Katy Surgery Center is our imaging facility, equipped with the most advanced technology, including MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, EMG, and ECHO machines. With these state-of-the-art tools, we ensure that you receive the highest quality and most accurate diagnostic imaging services available. You can read all about what our cutting-edge imaging machines can do for you in this series of blog posts. Our skilled clinical staff and imaging technicians are dedicated to providing you with expert care in a convenient and comfortable environment. Whether you're in need of a routine scan or more specialized imaging, you can trust Townsen Memorial Imaging - Katy to deliver personalized and precise care tailored to your individual needs. Experience the difference that true individualized care can make for your health and well-being at our exceptional imaging center.

Join Us at Our Open House & Explore Career Opportunities at Townsen Memorial Health System

Eager to see our newest facilities up close? We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to Townsen Memorial Health System's highly anticipated Open House event: Katy Surgery & Imaging Center, taking place on Thursday, March 21, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM CDT. Step into our cutting-edge facility located at 20823 Park Row, Katy, TX 77449, and immerse yourself in the innovative world of modern healthcare.

Calling all doctors, healthcare professionals, technicians, and technologists: this is your chance to explore rewarding career opportunities with us. At Townsen Memorial, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence and compassion in healthcare. Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients in our community.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover the endless possibilities that await you at Townsen Memorial Health System. Reach out to us today to learn more about how you can become a part of our passionate and dedicated team. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms!

When it comes to your health, taking a proactive approach by taking preventative measures can give you the best quality of life. Preventative screenings can detect issues early on which gives you the best chance at treatment. Far too many Americans are dying from preventable diseases that can almost always be treated if found early. With the medical advancements today, we all have the ability to achieve more successful outcomes than ever before. 

Lung CT

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. The survival rate for lung cancer is 12% and has not changed in 40 years. However, if detected at stage I, the survival rate is 70-80%. Lung CT screening provides more detailed information than conventional X-rays making it possible to diagnose and manage lung cancer earlier and more effectively. Detection of cancers when they are much smaller are far more easily treated or cured. This test takes less than 15 minutes and requires no preparation.

Who should have this exam?

• History of smoking
• Family history of lung cancer
• Occupational exposure (Shipyard, military, asbestos, coal miners)
• Unexplained cough or fever
• As a substitute for annual chest x-ray after age 35
• History of unexplained, recurrent pneumonias
• History of multiple x-rays as a child, including multiple scoliosis surveys
• Previous history of any cancer

Virtual Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the US and almost always begins with an abnormal growth, or polyp. If polyps are detected and removed before they become malignant, this deadly cancer may be escaped. Although the effectiveness of traditional colonoscopy for preventing and detecting colorectal cancer is unquestioned, many avoid them because of its invasiveness. Virtual colonoscopy is done with a CT scan and is non-invasive, quick, requires no sedation, allows patients to return to work, and is less expensive. It is also more comfortable and much faster than the traditional colonoscopy. The risks and the recovery from virtual colonoscopy are also much lower. Studies have shown this procedure was found to be just as effective, if not more effective than the traditional colonoscopy.

This test takes approximately 30 minutes and requires a preparation 48 hours prior to the exam. CO2 is placed in the colon through a small tube during the procedure so that it will evaporate and not expel.

Who should have this exam?

• Family history of colon cancer
• Family or patient history of polyps
• Those who prefer to not have a regular colonoscopy
• Men or women over age 45 with prior normal colonoscopy
• Change in bowel habits
• Blood in stool
• Unexplained weight loss or change in appetite
• Wellness screening every 5 years after age 40
• Previous history of any cancer
• History of multiple x-rays as a child, including multiple sclerosis

Breast Mammogram And Breast MRI

The survival rate of breast cancer directly correlates with the size of the cancer. The smaller the tumor, the greater the chance of survival. Finding cancer earlier can ultimately mean the difference between life and death. If you are an average risk patient, it is important to start getting annual mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history, it is recommended to start annual screenings 10 years before your first-degree relative had breast cancer.

Breast MRI is a highly sensitive tool for creating dynamic, three-dimensional images of breast tissue. It is a valuable tool in the assessment of dense breasts when used as an adjunct to traditional breast imaging modalities. A physician’s prescription is necessary for this test.

Who should have this exam?

• Inconclusive mammogram
• Breast or chest pain with inconclusive mammogram or ultrasound
• Evaluation of breast implants for possible rupture or to exclude cancer
• High risk breast patients under the age of 45
• Any patient with small dense breasts

Full Body MRI

This exam is used to evaluate the soft tissues of the body. Since tumors and inflammation produce an increased amount of water and swelling, an MRI searches for areas of abnormal water accumulation and swelling throughout the entire body. Specialized brain sequences can be used to detect early dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. Special sequences can also be added to evaluate high-risk areas including the bile duct, liver, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, prostate gland, and testicles. MRIs involve no radiation and are good for detecting soft tissue cancers at an early stage. A physician’s prescription is necessary for this test.

This exam takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the required views. It requires administration of one Bentyl tablet the night before the exam and one on the day of the exam. The patient must also fast 6 hours prior to the exam.

Who should have this exam?

• History of neurological problems, such as atypical headache or family history of aneurysm
• Family history of stroke
• Any risk factor favoring early detection of cancer of the brain, bladder, liver, pancreas, prostate, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, or neck
• Joint or extremity problems or unexplained pain
• Wellness evaluation, especially in patients under 50
• Unexplained weight loss, malaise, fatigue
• Previous history of cancer

Cardiac Score

This exam is a CT scan of the chest that measures calcium in the coronary arteries. The score that is generated helps to determine the patient’s cardiovascular risk when combined with the traditional cardiac risk factors. Coronary calcium scoring is highly predictive of obstructive coronary artery disease. This test takes less than 15 minutes and requires no preparation.

Who should have this exam? Those 40 years old or over with increased risk for heart disease from:

• Family history of heart disease, particularly with family members with the onset of heart disease before the age of 50
• Smoking
• Elevated total or LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol
• Elevated C-reactive protein
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High stress job
• Unexplained chest discomfort
• Previous history of heart disease
• Premature menopause
• Abnormal lipoprotein A
• Sedentary lifestyle

Schedule Your Preventative Screenings Today. 

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.

Resources

1. MIF, You’re Covered! The 4 Preventative Scans Worth Scheduling, accessed 12/20/2021 https://mifimaging.com/2018/10/24/youre-covered-the-4-preventative-scans-worth-scheduling/

2. ProScan, Preventative Screenings, accessed 12/20/2021 https://proscan.com/services-our-specialties/preventative-screenings/