Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 41)

BY COLLEEN RINGER “[Nuclear imaging] is kind of like getting an X-ray,” says Milton Guiberteau, M.D., a member of the Radiological Society of North America. “The beneﬁts outweigh any risks, which are quite small.” In fact, the Radiological Society estimates that medical imaging has saved millions of people from more invasive diagnostic testing and treatment procedures. Unlike an X-ray, which uses an external source to make an image, a nuclear imaging scan uses an internal source: a radiotracer that is ingested as a pill, inhaled or injected, depending on the body area being scanned. Thanks to the progress of modern-day science, the radiotracer collects in the targeted area—say, your gallbladder or lungs—and gives off gamma rays that are transformed by means of a gamma camera or a PET (positron emission tomography) scanner. The result is a picture-perfect guide to aid your doctor in steering your treatment. So what else can you expect if you’re scheduled for a nuclear imaging scan? Here’s the drill. Ready, Set, Scan If you know someone with heart problems, you may have heard of nuclear imaging scans. That’s because they’re commonly used to check blood flow to the heart. But that’s just scratching the surface of what this scan can do. It also can take a look at the following: • Organ function. If your doctor wants to get a closer look at how your kidneys, gallbladder, lungs or heart is functioning, a nuclear imaging scan can determine what’s happening and where. • Bones. This type of scan will alert your physician to fractures and tumors and reveal arthritis. • Cancer. “[Nuclear imaging scans] can be used to see if cancer has spread and to where,” says Milton Guiberteau, M.D., a member of the Radiological Society of North America. “They can tell whether chemo treatment is working. If the cancer doesn’t look changed, your doctor can change the combination of the drug to fit how the cancer is responding.” • Thyroid. A scan can determine if you have an over- or underactive thyroid. • Brain. If you’re experiencing seizures or memory loss, your doctor may schedule you for this procedure. BEFORE THE SCAN Your physician will provide you speciﬁc instructions on what you need to do before the scan. Depending on the type of scan, you may not be able to eat beforehand or may need to avoid certain foods, Guiberteau says. For a kidney scan, for example, you’ll be told to drink plenty of water. Once you arrive for the test, let the radiologist know if you have allergies, have been sick lately, or are pregnant or nursing. Also, tell the radiologist what medications you’re taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Leave jewelry and large belt buckles at home or be prepared to part with your accessories during the scan. On the bright side, a nuclear imaging scan usually doesn’t require you to wear a hospital gown, so you won’t need to change. Next, the radiologist will administer the necessary radiotracer, which could take seconds, minutes or days to travel through your body, depending on the type. After it has run its course, it’s scan time. DURING THE SCAN Get comfy. You may spend anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours on the exam table. For example, a scan to check the lungs for air and blood ﬂow could take 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, a gamma camera will take pictures as you remain very still—movement equals blurriness. Nuclear imaging itself is painless, but being in a still position may cause you discomfort. Afterward, you usually can get back to your normal activities immediately. “Most results are available within 12 to 24 hours,” Guiberteau says. Your doctor will discuss the next steps. As for the radiotracer, it will lose its radioactivity, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to drink a lot of water and ﬂush the toilet twice after using the bathroom as an added precaution. VIDEO AFTER THE SCAN A picture is worth a thousand words, and so are videos. To see a variety of nuclear medicine images and videos, go to radiologyinfo.org, and click “Images/Videos.” See for Yourself Vim & Vigor · FAL L 2011 41 http://www.radiologyinfo.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Don't Be a Drowsy Driver
The Art of Nursing
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
'X' Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
What's New?
A Walking, Talking Fitness Billboard
Community Health
Special Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Parrish Medical Center