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Zachary M. Kilpatrick

Radiologist

Dr. Zachary Kilpatrick is a radiologist practicing in West Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Kilpatrick specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging techniques such as X-Rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography exams. These techniques offer accurate visibility to the inside of the patients body and help to detect otherwise hidden illnesses so that they can be treated quickly and efficiently.
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Zachary M. Kilpatrick
  • West Columbia, South Carolina
  • Mercer University
  • Accepting new patients

At what stage of pregnancy can congenital defects in a baby be detected?

Usually, in your second trimester, ultrasound around 12-14 weeks. Your "triple screen" lab data is also important.

Thank you, good luck and all the best.

Can PCOD be corrected with radiation therapy?

No ma’am. No role that I know of. Thank you and all the best.

What are the early side effects of radiation therapy apart from fatigue, skin issues and hair loss?

I'm sorry to hear of that...prayers to your father and y'all. In short, depending on the location, extent of disease, and radiation dose, the side effects can be varied. All READ MORE
I'm sorry to hear of that...prayers to your father and y'all. In short, depending on the location, extent of disease, and radiation dose, the side effects can be varied.

All the best,

Does radiation during cancer treatment have any impact on the digestive system?

It certainly can and it depends on the method and dose...

https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/radiation-therapy/side-effects-radiation-therapy

I am having numbness in my right leg. What test do you recommend? I am worried if it is an early sign of a stroke.

If you think it is signs of a stroke, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. F.A.S.T. Following that, an MRI of the lumbar spine is a good place to start, but a physician READ MORE
If you think it is signs of a stroke, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. F.A.S.T. Following that, an MRI of the lumbar spine is a good place to start, but a physician trained in such matters should direct the ordering of subsequent tests.

Thank you and all the best.

Is chemotherapy different for urethral cancer?

Chemo regimens differ depending on the type of organ affected as well as stage...it varies.
Prayers to you, your father, and family.

Is there a difference between pediatric radiology and adult radiology?

MRI does not utilize any ionizing radiation, so that is your best choice other than ultrasound.

Typically how long does it take for radiation therapy to work?

It's variable depending on patient and cell type....days to weeks...

What deformities in the growing baby can be confirmed in an anomaly scan?

Mental abnormalities can be implied from anatomic abnormalities. With regard to what can be seen, the list is extensive.....

All the best.

My father has developed enteritis after his radiation therapy. What should we do?

This is best answered by his radiation oncologist, as I am a diagnostic radiologist. It's a complex problem, and not in my realm of expertise.
All the best.

My X-ray showed a 3mm stone in the right kidney however it was not seen in the following x-ray. Why did this happen?

The first stone may have either passed or the initial finding could be artifact. Also, it could have not been seen on second film. If you're symptomatic, get a CT.

By when in a pregnancy can the radiologist see any deformities in the growing fetus?

Ultrasound can see major anomalies by 3-4 months. With regard to ADHD in your current and possibly future child, I say fear not....I'm a poster child for ADHD...with love and guidance, READ MORE
Ultrasound can see major anomalies by 3-4 months. With regard to ADHD in your current and possibly future child, I say fear not....I'm a poster child for ADHD...with love and guidance, your children shall do well. Fear not, God is with you.

Can an X-ray indicate the kidney functioning level?

The short answer is no. Ultrasound, CT, and MRI can provide structural information, but in terms of function, laboratory data, such as serum creatinine, calculated glomerular filtration READ MORE
The short answer is no. Ultrasound, CT, and MRI can provide structural information, but in terms of function, laboratory data, such as serum creatinine, calculated glomerular filtration rate, and serum blood urea nitrogen are the standard ways to determine kidney function. A renal MAG3 renogram can also be used, but only in limited situations.

All the best.

Can an X-ray detect cancer?

This is a legitimate concern, however, you should undergo a CT surveillance program with respect to your lungs and lung nodules. Very commonly, incidentally noted nodules in patients READ MORE
This is a legitimate concern, however, you should undergo a CT surveillance program with respect to your lungs and lung nodules. Very commonly, incidentally noted nodules in patients with no smoking history and or low risk factors for lung cancer show nodules to be benign over time. At initial discovery, unless of an obvious size that needs to be biopsied (1 cm or greater), it is reasonable to follow them with serial repetitive CT scans at six month intervals for 2-3 years, depending.

Can cancer show up in a CT scan?

The short answer is yes and yes. The scan can certainly suggest cancer, but a biopsy is the final word.
All the best.

My father’s CT scan shows two seperate reports. How is that possible?

Without surgery, a 2 cm kidney stone is not going anywhere. Could have been misinterpreted on either exam. Sure is 2 cm and not 2mm? 2mm stone would typically pass. Consult the READ MORE
Without surgery, a 2 cm kidney stone is not going anywhere. Could have been misinterpreted on either exam. Sure is 2 cm and not 2mm? 2mm stone would typically pass. Consult the physician.

All the best.

I accompanied my mother for her X-ray and I didn’t know I was pregnant then. What should I do?

The short answer is fear not. Since you were presumably exposed to only scatter radiation from diagnostic X-rays, the likelihood of anything significant happening is essentially READ MORE
The short answer is fear not. Since you were presumably exposed to only scatter radiation from diagnostic X-rays, the likelihood of anything significant happening is essentially incalculably small and clinically negligible. The table below is a summary of exposure and the following link explains dosage:

https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=safety-xray

In short, the dose you received was likely so small that your baby is almost certainly fine. You see from the table that the dose of 50mGy is the low end on the table. I can all but guarantee that you received many many times less than that dose. No worries....all the best!

For diagnosing the cause of a stomach pain what are the tests normally recommended?

From radiology standpoint, it is usually ultrasound and/or a barium upper G.I. series, both of which are usually unsatisfying. If she were my daughter (and I have a daughter), READ MORE
From radiology standpoint, it is usually ultrasound and/or a barium upper G.I. series, both of which are usually unsatisfying. If she were my daughter (and I have a daughter), I would get her to a pediatric gastroenterologist and go from there. Hope that helps… All the best and happy new year.

Is radiotherapy required for breast cancer?

The simplest answer is no. It depends on a multitude of factors including size, cell type, and genetics of the tumor itself. Thank you and all the best.

How can I ensure no other cancer cells are present in my body?

Thank you for your question and best of luck with your challenge. That's the proverbial $64K question. After chemo and/or other therapy, you'll under go follow up MRIs and/or CT READ MORE
Thank you for your question and best of luck with your challenge. That's the proverbial $64K question. After chemo and/or other therapy, you'll under go follow up MRIs and/or CT scat and/or PET-CT. Other than that, there are no definitive blood tests or any other method that I know of to monitor that. So, in addition to followup imaging, I'd recommend prayer.

Best of luck and all the best.