expert type icon EXPERT

Marc Ronald Hamet, M.D.

Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Marc Hamet is an interventional radiologist practicing in Riverside, CT. Dr. Hamet specializes in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. Interventional radiologists use X-Rays, MRIs and other advanced imaging to put catheters in the body in order to treat the source of the disease internally. Many conditions that once required surgery can now have less risk, less pain and fewer invasions when treated by an interventional radiologist.
34 years Experience
Marc Ronald Hamet, M.D.
  • Riverside, CT
  • Univ of Md Sch of Med, Baltimore Md
  • Accepting new patients

What is a radiotherapy mask?

If you are having radiation treatment, your radiation oncologist will make a form fitted mask of your head and possibly neck. This allows them to precisely aim the radiation to READ MORE
If you are having radiation treatment, your radiation oncologist will make a form fitted mask of your head and possibly neck. This allows them to precisely aim the radiation to consistently treat the same location.

Is radiotherapy worse than chemotherapy?

It shouldn't be. Radiotherapy is when radiation is used to treat tumor in a specific location. Chemotherapy treats tumor throughout the body. Radiotherapy is used to direct READ MORE
It shouldn't be. Radiotherapy is when radiation is used to treat tumor in a specific location. Chemotherapy treats tumor throughout the body. Radiotherapy is used to direct treatment at or into specific tumors and often hopes to avoid the side effects of chemotherapy. That said it is not without its risks and complications. Often radiotherapy will be used at one location with chemotherapy used at the same time to kill disease elsewhere.
You should discuss this with your oncologist and radiation therapist.

What is the effect of X-rays on the human body?

Most x-rays pass right through the human body. That's why they are able to be detected to create an image. On there way through the human body, some bounce off material and change READ MORE
Most x-rays pass right through the human body. That's why they are able to be detected to create an image. On there way through the human body, some bounce off material and change direction and don't get detected. Some actually can get absorbed by molecules and don't get detected. Depending on the density of the material, a higher or lower get transmitted. Areas of low density ( air/lungs) allow a lot of x-rays to pass through. Higher density material (bones) don't let as many pass through. X-rays are radiation. Those that get absorbed have the potential to damage molecules which can cause problems such as cancer, cataracts, birth defects, etc. It is best to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.

Why do they inject dye for a CT scan?

IV contrast (dye) is injected during a CT to help the radiologist make a more accurate diagnosis. Initially, the dye travels through the vein to the heart and lungs. This phase READ MORE
IV contrast (dye) is injected during a CT to help the radiologist make a more accurate diagnosis. Initially, the dye travels through the vein to the heart and lungs. This phase of enhancement is useful in determining the anatomy of the veins and the presence of possible blood clot (pulmonary embolism).
It then re-enters the heart and is pumped to the arteries and rest of the body. During this phase, arterial anatomy can be discerned to check for problems such as leaks (extravasation), narrowing (stenosis), dilatation (aneurysms), or malformations and shunts.
The contrast then enters the tissue and small vessels. The enhancement pattern of organs can help identify and characterize different conditions.

Will a CT scan show thyroid cancer?

A CT scan may show a thyroid nodule. Nodules are usually better characterized by ultrasound. More importantly, however, CT may show abnormal lymph nodes or lung lesions which READ MORE
A CT scan may show a thyroid nodule. Nodules are usually better characterized by ultrasound. More importantly, however, CT may show abnormal lymph nodes or lung lesions which may be associated with thyroid cancer.

Can you see osteoarthritis on an X-ray?

Yes. The changes of most arthritides are visible on X-ray. In conjunction with lab work and physical exam.

Can an MRI detect thyroid problems?

Yes. MR can be useful in detecting thyroid lesions. It can also be useful in evaluating complications associated with thyroid disease such as those seen in the eyes

Can CT scan contrast make you sick?

Depends. Some people are sensitive to IV contrast and can have allergic reaction. Other common effects are flushing and nausea. The contrast is removed from the kidneys. In READ MORE
Depends. Some people are sensitive to IV contrast and can have allergic reaction. Other common effects are flushing and nausea. The contrast is removed from the kidneys. In some people, the kidneys may become damaged by the contrast.
Oral contrast may taste bad. It may also cause diarrhea or constipation depending on the contrast.

Can contrast dye give you gas?

There are two different categories of contrast, oral and IV. IV contrast enters the blood stream and should not effect your bowels. It is removed by your kidneys, so you should READ MORE
There are two different categories of contrast, oral and IV. IV contrast enters the blood stream and should not effect your bowels. It is removed by your kidneys, so you should hydrate afterwards. Oral contrast can cause constipation if barium-based, or diarrhea if iodine-based. Neither should actually cause gas, though.

How does radiotherapy make you feel?

Depending on the therapy, you may feel nothing or feel absolutely awful. But you are fighting for your life.

How soon do doctors receive CT scan results?

Most CT scans are read the same day and the information is sent to the referring clinician, so typically within 1-2 working days.

Can you talk during an MRI?

MRI allows for seeing very good details of the anatomy, but in order to do so, the patient must remain very still. Talking will degrade the quality of the scan and is not recommended. READ MORE
MRI allows for seeing very good details of the anatomy, but in order to do so, the patient must remain very still. Talking will degrade the quality of the scan and is not recommended.

How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy?

Depends on the regimen and is best discussed with your oncologist.

What does a CT scan show that an x-ray cannot?

A traditional x-ray sends energy through the body in one direction to get a single view of the body part. It allows evaluation based on density, so you can see bones separate READ MORE
A traditional x-ray sends energy through the body in one direction to get a single view of the body part. It allows evaluation based on density, so you can see bones separate from soft tissues or air, however many organs have similar densities and cannot be evaluated well with a simple x-ray.

A CT sends x-rays through the body in multiple planes which allow a much better evaluation of the internal organs. In addition, because it is digital information, the images can be manipulated to better differentiate and characterize internal body parts despite similar densities.

What happens if I eat before a CT scan?

It depends on the type of CT. Sometimes the IV dye given for the imaging may cause nausea.

What does a full body CT scan show?

A full body CT scan can show many things from normal anatomy to abnormal anatomy and pathology. The problem is sometimes a whole body CT can show something which may not be an READ MORE
A full body CT scan can show many things from normal anatomy to abnormal anatomy and pathology. The problem is sometimes a whole body CT can show something which may not be an important, but because it is there, it must be pursued - sometimes requiring unnecessary procedures such as biopsies. It is better to use CT when a patient has symptoms.

How long should CT scan results take?

CT scan should be interpreted within 1 business day. The results should be transmitted to the ordering physician immediately thereafter.

What are the side effects of CT scans?

There are no gross side effects from a CAT scan. If she receives oral contrast, she may have mild diarrhea. If she has, she should hydrate well to flush it out. Some people are READ MORE
There are no gross side effects from a CAT scan. If she receives oral contrast, she may have mild diarrhea. If she has, she should hydrate well to flush it out. Some people are allergic to the contrast.

Is a CT scan of the brain harmful?

A CT of the brain is not harmful. Today's modern scanners and scan techniques are designed to limit radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality. If you find that READ MORE
A CT of the brain is not harmful. Today's modern scanners and scan techniques are designed to limit radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality. If you find that you must have many CTs of the head then the tech should take care to not include the eyes in the study. At a certain level of radiation exposure, there is an increased risk of cataracts.