Black Hills Surgical Hospital | 216 Anamaria Drive | Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Phone: (605) 721-4700 | Toll Free: 1 (800) 818-1890 | Fax: (605) 721-4708

• Blood Pressure and Health Assessment
• Body Mass Index
• Lung/Chest CT Scan
• Calcium Score (also known as a Cardiac Score)
• Bone Density Scan
• Breast MRI
• Brain MRI
• Pulmonary Function Screening

For more information or to schedule an exam, call (605) 721-4800.

Lung/Chest Scan

Lung cancer is an ominous disease often with detrimental outcomes when it is diagnosed in later stages. By the time lung cancer is seen on a conventional chest x-ray, the odds of a cure are small and long-term survival low. Earlier detection of lung cancer with the 64-slice CT scan significantly improves the likelihood of survival. The American College of Chest Physicians recommends CT screening of any person who has smoked more than five years. If you have smoked for more than five years, a lung scan may be an important part of your wellness disease prevention program. Select the image to the right or select here to read an article on how to spot lung cancer early (new window will open).

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Select here to learn about how a lung screen saved Carla’s life.

Calcium Score

A Calcium Score, also known as a Cardiac Score, is a very quick, non-invasive test designed to measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.  In recent years, it has become a reliable estimator of the presence of stenosis and coronary artery disease.  It has become favored by physicians across the country as "a reasonable alternative to traditional stress testing", pointing also to its cost, brief test time and the fact that a physician does not usually need to be present during the scan.

The higher the score, or degree of calcification found, the more plaque you have in the arteries of your heart, which means your chance of having a heart attack is high.  Depending on the score, you and your doctor can determine if you need to make simple lifestyle changes (such as diet, quit smoking and increased exercise), take medication or arrange for further testing.

Who is a Candidate for a Calcium Score

Calcium Scores are most appropriate for men, age 35-70 and women 40-70 who have any of the following risk factors:

• Family history of heart disease
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Overweight
  

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Bone Density Scan

A Bone Density Scan measures your risk of osteoporosis—the disease that causes bones to become fragile. We offer a QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography) Bone Density Scan on our 64-Slice CT scanner, which is the only scanner able to measure 3-D bone images. 

A QCT Bone Density Scan uses X-rays and computer software to take cross-sectional images to determine the measurement of bone mineral density. Images of your bones are taken at two places because bone mineralization is not uniform throughout your body. The results come in the form of a "T-score" (bone density compared to that of a young normal adult of your sex). Your T-score is the number of units that your bone density is above or below the standard.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is a highly sensitive tool for creating dynamic 3-D images of the breast tissue and should be used in conjunction to traditional breast imaging such as Ultrasound and Mammography. Note, Breast MRI is not a replacement for mammography. All Breast MRIs are performed on our 3T MRI scanner - the most advanced MR technology available.

Woman who should consider Breast MRI: 

• Newly diagnosed breast cancer.
• Scheduled for breast cancer surgery.
• Dense breast tissue or prominent cystic characteristics.
• Have a high risk of breast cancer due to known genetic predisposition or very strong family history.
• Possible rupture of breast implants.

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