Hopkins Diagnostics Laboratory

What Is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt

How is a mammogram done?
You will stand in front of a special X-ray machine. A technologist will place your breast on a plastic plate. Another plate will firmly press your breast from above. The plates will flatten the breast, holding it still while the X-ray is being taken. You will feel some pressure. The steps are repeated to make a side view of the breast. The other breast will be X-rayed in the same way. You will then wait while the technologist checks the four X-rays to make sure the pictures do not need to be re-done. Keep in mind that the technologist cannot tell you the results of your mammogram. Each woman’s mammogram may look a little different because all breasts are a little different

What does having a mammogram feel like?
Having a mammogram is uncomfortable for most women. Some women find it painful. A mammogram takes only a few moments, though, and the discomfort is over soon. What you feel depends on the skill of the technologist, the size of your breasts, and how much they need to be pressed. Your breasts may be more sensitive if you are about to get or have your period. A doctor with special training, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram. He or she will look at the X-ray for early signs of breast cancer or other problems.

When will I get the results of my mammogram?
A radiologist reads your mammogram and then reports the results to you and your doctor. If there is a concern, you will hear from the mammography facility earlier.

What happens if my mammogram is normal?
Continue to get mammograms according to recommended time intervals. Mammograms work best when they can be compared with previous ones. This allows the radiologist to compare them to look for changes in your breasts.

What happens if my mammogram is abnormal?
An abnormal mammogram does not always mean that there is cancer. But you will need to have additional mammograms, tests, or exams before the doctor can tell for sure. You may also be referred to a breast specialist or a surgeon. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer or need surgery. These doctors are experts in diagnosing breast problems. Doctors will do follow-up tests to diagnose breast cancer or to find that there is no cancer.

Hopkins Diagnostics Laboratory
11,factory road,opp.crunchies,Bata junction Aba.
+234 909 916 3614

ABDOMINAL SCAN
What is an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen. This includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the abdominal organs and structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to abdominal organs.
Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the skin, and the ultrasound waves move through the body to the organs and structures within. The sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo and return to the transducer. The transducer processes the reflected waves, which are then converted by a computer into an image of the organs or tissues being examined.
The sound waves travel at different speeds depending on the type of tissue encountered - fastest through bone tissue and slowest through air. The speed at which the sound waves are returned to the transducer, as well as how much of the sound wave returns, is translated by the transducer as different types of tissue.
An ultrasound gel is placed on the transducer and the skin to allow for smooth movement of the transducer over the skin and to eliminate air between the skin and the transducer for the best sound conduction.
Another type of ultrasound is Doppler ultrasound, sometimes called a duplex study, used to show the speed and direction of blood flow within the abdomen. Unlike a standard ultrasound, some sound waves during the Doppler exam are audible.
Ultrasound may be safely used during pregnancy or in the presence of allergies to contrast dye, because no radiation or contrast dyes are used.
Other related procedures that may be performed to evaluate the abdomen include abdominal X-rays, computed tomography (CT scan) of the abdomen, and abdominal angiogram.
Why might I need an abdominal ultrasound?
Abdominal ultrasound may be used to assess the size and location of abdominal organs and structures. It can also be used to check the abdomen for conditions such as:
Cysts
Tumors
Collection of pus (abscesses)
Obstructions
Fluid collection
Blockages (clots) in blood vessels
Infection
The size of the abdominal aorta can be measured by ultrasound in order to detect an aortic aneurysm. Stones in the gallbladder, kidneys, and ureters may be detected by ultrasound.
Abdominal ultrasound may be performed to assist in placement of needles used to biopsy abdominal tissue or to drain fluid from a cyst or abscess.
Abdominal ultrasound may also be used to assess the blood flow of various structures within the abdomen.
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend an abdominal ultrasound.
What are the risks of abdominal ultrasound?
There is no radiation used and generally no discomfort from the application of the ultrasound transducer to the skin.
There may be risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the results of the test. These include:
Severe obesity
Barium within the intestines from a recent barium procedure
Intestinal gas
How do I prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?
EAT/DRINK: For an A.M. appointment, fat free dinner the evening before. Nothing to eat or drink from midnight until after the examination. For a P.M. appointment, clear liquid breakfast (no milk) before 9 A.M. Nothing to eat or drink after breakfast.
MEDICATIONS: You may take your medications with a small amount of water.
Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
What happens during an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound may be done as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. Although each facility may have different protocols in place, generally an ultrasound procedure follows this process:
You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.
If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
You will lie on an examination table on your back or side, depending on the specific area of the abdomen to be examined.
Ultrasound gel is placed on the area of the body that will undergo the ultrasound examination.
Using a transducer, a device that sends out the ultrasound waves, the ultrasound wave will be sent through the patient's body.
The sound will be reflected off structures inside the body, and the ultrasound machine will analyze the information from the sound waves.
The ultrasound machine will create an image of these structures on a monitor. These images will be stored digitally.
There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.
While the abdominal ultrasound procedure itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure may cause slight discomfort, and the clear gel will feel cool and wet. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort.
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Hopkins Diagnostics Aba
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungi or other germs. The infection is usually acquired when a person breathes in air carrying germs.
Patients with pneumonia could have the following symptoms:
>>cough that produces phlegm or sometimes blood
>>fever
>>shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
>>chills or shaking
>>fatigue
>>sweating
>>chest or muscle pain
Those most at risk for developing pneumonia are young children or people over the age of 65.
People with existing health problems are also at increased risk. Risk factors and circumstances that may increase a person's chances of developing pneumonia include:
having illnesses such as emphysema, HIV/AIDS or other lung diseases or conditions that affect the immune system
having the flu
exposure to and inhalation of various chemicals
smoking or excessive drinking
a prolonged stay in the hospital or intensive care
recent surgery
recent injury
Pneumonia can sometimes lead to serious complications, such as respiratory system failure, spread of infections, fluid surrounding the lungs, abscesses or uncontrolled inflammation throughout the body (sepsis). The condition can also be fatal, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing these symptoms
How is pneumonia diagnosed and evaluated?
Your primary doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history and symptoms. You will also undergo a physical exam, so that your doctor can listen to your lungs. In checking for pneumonia, your doctor will listen for abnormal sounds like crackling, rumbling or wheezing. If your doctor thinks you may have pneumonia, an imaging test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
One or more of the following tests may be ordered to evaluate for pneumonia:
Chest x-ray:
An x-ray exam will allow your doctor to see your lungs, heart and blood vessels to help determine if you have pneumonia. When interpreting the x-ray, the radiologist will look for white spots in the lungs (called infiltrates) that identify an infection. This exam will also help determine if you have any complications related to pneumonia such as abscesses or pleural effusions (fluid surrounding the lungs).
CT of the lungs:
A CT scan of the chest may be done to see finer details within the lungs and detect pneumonia that may be more difficult to see on a plain x-ray. A CT scan also shows the airway (trachea and bronchi) in great detail and can help determine if pneumonia may be related to a problem within the airway. A CT scan can also show complications of pneumonia, abscesses or pleural effusions and enlarged lymph nodes.
Ultrasound of the chest:
Ultrasound may be used if fluid surrounding the lungs is suspected. An ultrasound exam will help determine how much fluid is present and can aid in determining the cause of the fluid.
MRI of the chest:
MRI is not generally used to evaluate for pneumonia but may be used to look at the heart, vessels of the chest and chest wall structures. If the lungs are abnormal because of excess fluid, infection or tumor, an MRI may provide additional information about the cause or extent of these abnormalities.
Needle biopsy of the lung:
Your doctor may request a biopsy of your lung(s) to determine the cause of pneumonia. This procedure involves removing several small samples from your lung(s) and examining them. Biopsies of the lung can be done using x-ray, CT, ultrasound and/or MRI.
Hopkins Diagnostics Aba.
09099163614

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The growths are typically benign, or noncancerous. The cause of fibroids is unknown.

Fibroids are also known by the following names:

leiomyomas
myomas
uterine myomas
fibromas
According to the Office on Women’s Health, up to 80 percentTrusted Source of women have them by the age of 50. However, most women don’t have any symptoms and may never know they have fibroids.

What are the different types of fibroids?
The type of fibroid a woman develops depends on its location in or on the uterus.

Intramural fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch your womb.

Subserosal fibroids
Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one side.

Pedunculated fibroids
Subserosal tumors can develop a stem, a slender base that supports the tumor. When they do, they’re known as pedunculated fibroids.

Submucosal fibroids
These types of tumors develop in the middle muscle layer, or myometrium, of your uterus. Submucosal tumors aren’t as common as the other types.

What causes fibroids?
It’s unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation.

Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.

Family history
Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you’re pregnant.

Who is at risk for fibroids?
Women are at greater risk for developing fibroids if they have one or more of the following risk factors:

pregnancy
a family history of fibroids
age of 30 or older
African-American
a high body weight
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Your symptoms will depend on the number of tumors you have as well as their location and size. For instance, submucosal fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.

If your tumor is very small or you’re going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during and after menopause. This is because women undergoing menopause are experiencing a drop in their levels of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that stimulate fibroid growth.

Symptoms of fibroids may include:

heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots
pain in the pelvis or lower back
increased menstrual cramping
increased urination
pain during in*******se
menstruation that lasts longer than usual
pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
How are fibroids diagnosed?
For a proper diagnosis, you’ll need to see a gynecologist to get a pelvic exam. This exam is used to check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus. You may also need other tests, which include:

Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your uterus on a screen. This will allow your doctor to see its internal structures and any fibroids present. A transva**nal ultrasound, in which the ultrasound wand is inserted into the va**na, may provide clearer pictures since it’s closer to the uterus during this procedure.

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