NUCLEAR SCANS, ECHOGRAMS, CAT SCANS, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Technical developments allow physicians to examine the internal organs without having to perform surgery. Nuclear scans, echograms, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide physicians with valuable knowledge, and with virtually no danger and little discomfort to you.

Nuclear-Medicine Scans

A nuclear-medicine scan uses extremely small doses of radioactive substances to outline various organs. The amount of radioactive material is minute. Thus far, nothing suggests that this radioactive material causes cancer or other side effects. The personnel working with these substances, who are exposed to far greater doses for longer periods, have not been shown to suffer from cumulative effects of the radiation when it is used carefully.

The word nuclear unfortunately often brings up the fear of cancer. Some older people fear that they have cancer when a nuclear scan is recommended because they confuse radioactive scans with radiation therapy, which is used to treat cancer. Always ask the reason for tests. Although nuclear scans may be used to diagnose cancer, they are also useful in determining countless other noncancerous diseases.

The wonderful thing about nuclear scans is that, with almost no danger or discomfort, they provide information not easily obtainable through X-rays or other tests. This means that the scans can be repeated, not only for the purpose of diagnosis but also to follow the results of treatment.

A very small amount of radioactive substance is injected into a vein and is carried to the organ that is being examined. Measurements of the amount of radiation in the organ show how it is working. The most important scans are brain scans, often used to diagnose strokes, and lung scans, frequently requested when there is a suspicion of a pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lungs). Bone scans can help diagnose disorders of the skeleton. There are also scans of the thyroid gland, liver and biliary structures, kidneys, lymph nodes, bone marrow, blood vessels, and heart. These studies are often done in conjunction with other investigations, such as X-rays and echograms.

Echograms

Echograms (ultrasound images) use sound waves, which are directed through the body and reflect what is happening in various organs. There is no discomfort or known danger from these tests; sound waves do not seem to cause any disorders in the human body. Therefore, the tests can be repeated as often as necessary.

Echograms can discern small abnormalities within the abdomen, heart, and pelvis. When used in conjunction with X-rays and nuclear scans, they may allow a diagnosis without surgery.

CAT Scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The CAT scan allows many rapid X-rays to be taken simultaneously at slightly different angles and different points of focus. The end result is a three-dimensional picture of any part of the body. A CAT scan of the brain allows elusive problems to be diagnosed more easily and with less danger or discomfort than with plain X-rays, angiograms, nuclear scans, and echograms. Often the CAT scan is so accurate that other tests can be avoided.

Abdominal CAT scans investigate diseases of the abdomen, liver and spleen, and kidneys. The abdominal CAT scan has not replaced the other X-ray procedures, but it enhances the ability to make difficult diagnoses. A CAT scan can also be used for the chest and spinal canal.

The equipment used for CAT scans is enormously expensive, and the cost eventually is paid by all of us who use the health care system. Ultimately, CAT scans may prove to be a relatively less expensive and more effective way of investigating many illnesses. I lowever, it must be left to the discretion of the physician to order a CAT scan. Sometimes people request these tests simply to assure themselves that they are not suffering from a serious disease, but no single test can do that.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a new technique that works by using powerful magnets to activate chemicals in the body. Very accurate pictures can be obtained of the body’s organs without discomfort or danger.

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