Diagnostic Imaging
A diagnostic imaging study is a non-invasive way to look inside the body to assist your physician with making a medical diagnosis.
Various imaging machines create pictures of structures and activities occurring in your body. South Carolina Oncology Associates (SCOA) performs on-site diagnostic imaging as a convenience for our patients. SCOA’s on-site facility is the area leader in diagnostic imaging.
Offering the Highest Level of Care in Diagnostic Imaging
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has awarded the SCOA imaging center full accreditation in computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The ACR only awards accreditation to those facilities that demonstrate the highest practice standards. To earn ACR accreditation, a facility must undergo a rigorous peer-review evaluation of its practice. This means board-certified radiologists and medical physicists have reviewed our personnel qualifications, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs, and adequacy of facility equipment, and found that our facility provides the highest level of quality care.
Advanced Radiology Imaging at SCOA
SCOA offers a digital radiography suite, where the equipment uses digital X-ray sensors rather than traditional photographic film. This digital imaging technology is more efficient than traditional X-rays because it provides better image quality versus conventional x-ray. Digital radiography also allows us to use less radiation dose per image, and the ability to send the image(s) to your doctors via a computer which allows for faster results.
While planning for radiation treatment, SCOA utilizes a combination of CT, PET/CT and MRI to provide high quality imaging to better visualize cancerous tumors and accurately target the correct area for radiation while preserving normal, healthy tissue.
CT & X-ray
Computed Tomography (CT) is an advanced diagnostic tool that uses a combination of X-ray and computers to produce detailed, cross sectional imaging of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues of the body. SCOA offers a digital radiography suite, where the equipment uses digital X-ray sensors rather than traditional photographic film. This digital imaging technology is more efficient than traditional X-rays because it provides better image quality versus conventional x-ray. Digital radiography also allows us to use less radiation dose per image, and the ability to send the image(s) to your doctors via a computer which allows for faster results.
PET/CT
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging specialty that uses radiopharmaceuticals to evaluate real time metabolic and biochemical functions of tissues and organs. How your body absorbs the radiopharmaceutical can provide vital information on organ function, disease processes, staging, as well as response to ongoing treatment. With the use of a simple injection, the functional benefit of PET imaging combined with the anatomical information of CT imaging allows for earlier detection of disease compared to other imaging modalities. PET/CT imaging provides information to make a faster diagnosis allowing for timely treatment planning by your oncology team.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that uses a combination of a strong magnetic field, magnetic field gradients and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of the organs inside your body. When compared to other diagnostic modalities, MRI offers superior soft tissue contrast imaging that is critical in diagnosing difficult to see cancers. Since MRI is non-invasive and does not use X-ray radiation, it can play an important role in follow up imaging to ensure your cancer treatment is working as expected.
DEXA
Bone densitometry, also known as bone density scanning is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that measures the density of your bones and helps your doctor determine if you have bone loss. Both bone density scanning and digital imaging provide important information about the health of your skeleton, which can help you and your doctor make decisions about your treatment.
Results
Because SCOA has a full suite of diagnostic imaging technology on-site, we can provide imaging results to patients faster than facilities without this technology. Shortening the time between capturing the image and providing results allows our doctors to start treatments earlier, when the condition may be more responsive to therapy.
Our Leadership
Dawn Shealy, R.T.(R)(MR)(CT)(ARRT), CBDT
Director of Imaging
Dawn Shealy’s educational background started with an Associate Degree in Radiologic Sciences from Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC. After working in the hospital setting as an X-ray/CT technologist for over 15 years, Dawn resigned from her position to take care of her sister who was a cancer patient at SCOA.
Dawn truly believes that her sister’s illness gave her deeper compassion for patients battling cancer. During her time at SCOA, she has furthered her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Pima Medical Institute in Tucson, Arizona, and became registered in Bone Densitometry, and MRI.
Dawn is proud to be a member of the SCOA team as she believes that one of the best attributes SCOA offers is a network of professionals who will walk hand in hand through every step of the patient’s journey.
“We build relationships with our patients. When a patient is hurting, we hurt. When a patient celebrates, we celebrate. This type of compassion is hard to find in today’s healthcare industry.”
In her personal time, Dawn loves to spend time making memories with her family. She and her family love to visit Edisto Beach, and the mountains and go on cruises. During her downtime, she loves to read and of course, pull for the Gamecocks!
Education
- Associates Degree, Radiologic Sciences: Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC
- Bachelor of Science, Radiologic Sciences: Pima Medical Institute in Tucson, Arizona
