|
Computerized axial tomography (CT) scanning is used for the
examination of many parts of the body. The scan's images show
cross-sectional 'slices" of the body that are each a millimeter
thick. A composite image is created by the computer and photocopied.
The CT scan gives an accurate picture of the extent of the
disease and helps identify tumors at an early stage. CT scans
are performed both with and without contrast media. CT scans
can be taken of the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or the whole
body. When a case is tagged, the entire report should be reviewed
for correct interpretation of the areas that are involved
or not involved with tumor. Enlarged lymph nodes may also
be seen on the CT scans.
Diagnostic nuclear medicine examinations or scans are used
to identify abnormalities in the brain, salivary glands, thyroid,
heart, lung, kidney, liver, spleen, and bone. The patient
is given a radioisotope that emits gamma rays and permits
the radiologist to see abnormal structures or functions. Bone
scans can show metastatic lytic (destructive) lesions or blastic
(overgrowth of bone) lesions of bone. For example, breast
and prostate cancers are known to metastasize to the bone.
Therefore, a bone scan may confirm or rule out the distant
spread of the disease. Liver and spleen scans scan show the
presence and size of a tumor. Brain scans can indicate the
location of a tumor, size, and associated vascular structures.
|
