![]() This is because not all cancers are the same, and because some scans work better on certain parts of the body than others.įor example, an x-ray is great for detecting bone and lung cancers, but it won’t work to detect breast or prostate cancer. There really is no one scan that is best for detecting all cancers. Ultrasound is one of the few diagnostic scans that does not use radiation, so it is safe for use on pregnant women and children, and others concerned about limiting radiation exposure. Ultrasounds work best on soft tissues, like the breasts, testicles and abdomen. Ultrasound uses sound waves to detect and diagnose cancers. Endoscopy lets your doctor observe your organs in action, and he can also see clearly see the size, shape, and color of any growths, tumors or lesions – all of which can help him detect cancer. Endoscopy is generally used on organs and systems that can be accessed through a body opening like your colon or stomach. MRI scans can work on soft or dense tissue and are especially useful in viewing the spinal cord and brain.Įndoscopy involves a procedure wherein a tiny camera is inserted in your body (usually while you are under anesthesia) to detect and diagnose cancers and other problems. The MRI uses magnets to detect and diagnose cancers. Advanced x-ray machines, like the CT scan or mammogram are good for detecting cancers in softer tissues, like the breasts. A standard x-ray works best on bone and other dense tissues, and is good for detecting bone cancers or tumors in the lungs. Examples of x-ray technology include the standard x-ray, computed tomography ( CT scans), and mammograms. X-rays use electromagnetic energy to detect and diagnose problems in your body. Examples of common nuclear scans include the PET scan or the combined PET/CT scan. Cameras in the nuclear scanning machine will trace how much of the tracer is absorbed by certain areas of the body-more absorption can indicate the presence of cancer (or a tumor) and the extent of it. Depending on the organ in question, you might ingest a radioactive substance (also known as a radionuclide or tracer), or have it injected into your veins for the scan. Nuclear medicine lets a doctor observe the organs in action and helps them determine the location of the disease. Nuclear medicine uses radioactive isotopes to detect and diagnose cancers. However, with so many diagnostic scans available, how can you tell which one is best for detecting cancer? Common Body Scans for Detecting Cancerīody scans fall into five categories: nuclear medicine, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopy and ultrasound. Thanks to advancements in the technology of body imaging scans, it is now possible to detect cancer in the very early stages, in order to effectively treat the disease before it has a chance to make you very ill. ![]() Because cancer destroys organs, it is considered a life-threatening condition and early detection is crucial for treatment to stop the growth and reverse the illness. The abnormal cells can also spread to other parts of your body and infect other organs – a process called metastasis. ![]() As the abnormal cells grow, they can take over the organ, preventing it from functioning properly. Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in an organ or structure in the body.
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