Medical imaging's role in bariatric surgery.

Approximately 72 million Americans, or one third of U.S. adults, are obese. Bariatric surgery, the use of surgical procedures to alter the digestive tract, is the only treatment that results in major, long-term weight loss; it also can resolve obesity-related diseases. Its use has increased markedly in the past decade, and radiographic imaging plays an important role in assessing patients before surgery, along with identifying complications after surgery. The modalities used most frequently are ultrasound, gastrointestinal contrast studies, computed tomography and fluoroscopy. Radiologic technologists must be prepared for the technical, equipment and occupational safety challenges faced by imaging obese patients. This article is a Directed Reading. Your access to Directed Reading quizzes for continuing education credit is determined by your continuing education preference. For access to other quizzes, go to www.asrt.org/store.

Breast cancer in men.

Less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men, and although the disease is rare, the incidence appears to be increasing. Because men usually do not suspect breast cancer when they feel a lump in the breast, diagnosis frequently is delayed. Although screening for breast cancer is not recommended for men, radiographic imaging plays an important role in distinguishing benign conditions from malignant disease, and mammography usually is recommended as the first radiographic assessment. Ultrasonography is useful in differentiating between noncancerous cysts and solid malignant tumors, especially if coexisting gynecomastia masks a cancerous lesion on mammography. Sonography also is useful to guide breast biopsy.