The Radiology Department of McAllen Medical Heart Hospital offers many modalities of radiology, including nuclear medicine, ultrasound and computed tomography and diagnostic fluoroscopy, as well as other routine procedures. As many diagnostic and ultrasound procedures as possible are performed at the patient's bedside, keeping with patient focus. Radiology technologists can be cross-trained in all modalities.

Our newest acquisition produces amazing images.
Located at McAllen Heart Hospital, our new Toshiba Aquilion™ 64-slice CT scanner is transforming the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions. The Aquilion scanner captures 64 simultaneous cross-sectional X-rays in one rotation. Since these highly detailed images help doctors make more precise diagnoses, patients may begin treatment sooner, which can result in better outcomes.

In patients with possible heart conditions, the scanner is used as a screening tool to rule out coronary artery disease and other illnesses. Those with no perceived problems may avoid undergoing more invasive diagnostic procedures, such as a cardiac catheterization (cath). But if a cath is required, cardiologists save time in the cath lab by knowing exactly where to search. In patients who smoke or who have been exposed to secondhand smoke during their lifetime, the scanner can identify pulmonary nodules as small as 2 mm in diameter. Depending on the shape and size of these nodules, we can perform a biopsy and determine if cancer is present.

To learn more about using the scanner to detect heart disease, call McAllen Heart Hospital at 956.994.2910.

Your treatment plan will be created around the type, size, location and extent of cancer found and can include:

• Surgery – Some tumors can be removed because of their size or location.
• Radiation therapy – High energy X-ray kills cancer cells and can offer relief from pain or airway blockage. It’s often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy – Injected into a vein, through a catheter, or taken by mouth in pill form, chemotherapy is frequently used with surgery to treat advanced stages of cancer, to help relieve symptoms, or in all stages of small cell cancer.
• Photodynamic therapy – A laser therapy that uses an injected substance which is absorbed by cells throughout your body.
• Diet and nutrition – Special foods, teas, herbs, and vitamin and mineral supplements can help your whole body fight cancer during treatment. Put a nutritionist on your cancer care team.
• Integrative medicine – Many people find positive benefits through acupuncture, deep massage and meditation. new pharmaceuticals and technologies –- You might be eligible for clinical trials or research studies of new discoveries not yet on the market. Ask your physician, and visit the National Cancer Institute Web site at www.cancer.gov.
• Support – Sharing resources, feelings and experiences through organized cancer support groups and your loved ones will help you.

Lung Cancer can be Preventable
Lung cancer is one of the most preventable kinds of cancer. Because 87% of all lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking, you can save your lungs and your life. Stop smoking now. Educate your kids. Smoking kills people. Second hand smoke kills friends, families and even strangers.

Prevention is a good thing
Install a radon detector and a carbon monoxide monitor in your home

1. Keep your home mold-free
2. Stay away from asbestos
3. If you must be in contact with any of the following, use appropriate precautions.

• Caustic household cleaners
• Drywall, roofing, insulation, plaster and other
• building materials
• Garden chemicals and fertilizers
• Paints, coatings, plastics
• Pesticides
• Petroleum products