DEXA Scan
Dexa scanning is done using enhanced X-rays to measure Bone Mineral Density or BMA. Hence, it is also referred to as a BMD scan. It measures the density of the bone tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure, which allows your doctor to evaluate bone health and detect bone loss. Dexa scans are commonly employed to investigate osteoporosis of the lower spine and hip.
Cancer can also cause bone loss and your oncologist may subject you to BMD assessment prior to and during the treatment. The DXA equipment bombards the body with low-energy X-rays to capture images and data of the bones under examination. Thereafter, computer software calculates the mineral density in the bone.
Dexa scanning is done using enhanced X-rays to measure Bone Mineral Density or BMA. Hence, it is also referred to as a BMD scan. It measures the density of the bone tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure, which allows your doctor to evaluate bone health and detect bone loss. Dexa scans are commonly employed to investigate osteoporosis of the lower spine and hip.
Cancer can also cause bone loss and your oncologist may subject you to BMD assessment prior to and during the treatment. The DXA equipment bombards the body with low-energy X-rays to capture images and data of the bones under examination. Thereafter, computer software calculates the mineral density in the bone.
The Method
You will be asked to lie on an examination table with the DXA scanner positioned directly above you. You must lie very still for the few seconds while the X-rays are directed towards you.
You will be asked to lie on an examination table with the DXA scanner positioned directly above you. You must lie very still for the few seconds while the X-rays are directed towards you.
Preparation
You cannot take any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan. You cannot have any metal objects like a watch or jewellery, on your person during a DEXA scan. Though your medical team will discuss the test with you in detail, make sure to inform them if: You are on calcium supplements You are breastfeeding or pregnant You have been through a CT or radioisotope scan within the preceding 14 days You have been exposed to Barium within the preceding 14 days
You cannot take any calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan. You cannot have any metal objects like a watch or jewellery, on your person during a DEXA scan. Though your medical team will discuss the test with you in detail, make sure to inform them if: You are on calcium supplements You are breastfeeding or pregnant You have been through a CT or radioisotope scan within the preceding 14 days You have been exposed to Barium within the preceding 14 days
Digital Mammography
This is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to capture a single 2D image of the breast. The latest advance in mammography is Digital Tomosysnthesis that generates 3-dimensional images of the breast with the help of X-rays. Hence, it is sometimes referred to as 3D mammography. The image taken in digital mammography comes alive on the computer screen. The image can be zoomed in, which makes it easy to detect abnormalities in real-time.
With digital tomosynthesis, it is possible to take multiple pictures of the internal anatomy of the breast at different angles. The images are then combined by special software and displayed on the computer screen as a 3D picture. Some abnormalities may escape traditional techniques; hence, a 3D mammogram is more accurate in detecting cancer early.
The Method
The patient is asked to place the breast between two plates on the scanning instrument. The plates will flatten the breast but not to the extent of generating pain, though there may be slight discomfort due to the position. Pictures are taken of the breast from the top, side and bottom. Though the breast placement may be intermittent, the entire process takes about 30 minutes.
Preparation
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about the digital mammography or tomosysnthesis. If you experience breast soreness during menstruation, it is advisable to schedule the mammogram more than one week prior to your period.
Do not apply any powder, freshener, lotion or deodorant before the procedure. Again, remove all metal objects, like jewellery, watch and hairpins from your person before the mammogram
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images of regions inside the body. The patient is made to lie within a large tube that is the MRI scanner. Within the tube, the patient is subjected to a magnetic field and a barrage of radio waves. However, it is an absolutely painless procedure.
An MRI scan can take images of almost any interior part of the body. The results help with diagnosis as well as treatments plans and in assessing their effectiveness.
The Method
You lie on a flat bed, which will slide into the scanning tube, head or feet first, depending on the area to be scanned. A radiographer, trained in imaging operations, will operate the MRI scanner. The scanner is controlled by a remote computer to keep it away from the magnetic field generated in the tube. An MRI scan can take from 15 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the area and the number of images to be captured.
The patient can interact with the radiographer through an intercom; the imaging team can see the patient on a television monitor throughout the procedure. It is important to lie perfectly still during the scan. At certain times, the scanner will make loud, tapping noises. This is the sound of the electric current being turned on and off in the scanner coils. Patients are given earplugs or headphones so that the sounds do not bother them.
Preparation
There are some conditions, which might make you ineligible to undergo MRI scanning. Due to the use of magnets, metal cannot be exposed to the scan. Please inform your medical team if any of the following applies to you:
It is advisable to discuss all issues with your doctor, which seems relevant to you. The actual scan requires little preparation. There may be some dietary restrictions and limitations on medicine. At the time of the scan, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown as you cannot have any metallic objects on your person. In certain patients, an IV catheter may be inserted in the arm to inject an MRI contrast medium.
Pet-Ct Scan
A PET-CT scan takes images of a targeted area or a particular organ in the body. It is a combined scan using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). During the scan, the patient is injected with glucose containing a small dose of a radioactive agent.
The scan reveals parts of the body that consume more glucose. Areas with a high glucose intake mean that cells are growing at a high rate, which could be indicative of cancer. PET-CT scanning also determines the grade of the tumour, indicating how fast it can grow and spread to other areas. It also reveals whether the tumour has spread already and where. Doctors also use this imaging technique to monitor the efficacy of your treatment plan.
The Method
A PET-CT scan usually takes 30-40 minutes but the entire procedure can last from 2-3 hours. After you change into a hospital gown, you will be intravenously given a dose of glucose. Then you will be asked to wait in an isolation room for 1½ hours for the glucose to circulate throughout your body. During the wait, you will be asked to drink 3-4 glasses of water. Depending on your clinical findings, the water may contain some medication.
The scanning machine is noiseless and has a tunnel-shaped scanner. You will lie on an examination table, which will slide under the scanner. The scanner will take images of your body from different angles. The doctor will then verify the quality of the images and you will be allowed to leave.
Preparation
Your doctor will give you specific instructions prior to the scan, which has to done on an empty stomach. You cannot have metal objects, including watch and jewellery, on your person during the scan. Please feel free to ask your doctor about any concerns you may have.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is another common imaging technique, which uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of the internal body. Ultrasound is a commonly used diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine various organs in the body. The sound waves bounce back off the body and care captured by a probe and converted into pictures. It can used to examine various organs of the body and even assess the health of a baby in the womb.
Sound waves are in many frequencies, which are used according to the types of tissues being targeted. Ultrasound machines at Oncology International use cutting-edge technology and intelligent software to deliver high-resolution images that enable more accurate diagnosis. During cancer biopsies, an ultrasound sensor can be attached to the needle. This produces real-time images, which leads doctors to the location of a tumour.
The Method
The patient lies down on an examination bed next to the ultrasound scanner, which is attached to a computer. There are many different types of probes that capture the sound waves as they bounce back from your body. Some probes are used only for the surface of the body, while others can be inserted within the body.
The technician applies a lubricating ointment on or in the anatomical area to be scanned. The pre-selected probe is then lightly pressed down and moved around on the region. Inserted probes are guided to move around within the body. The computer simultaneously displays images of the organs and blood vessels being scanned, which can then converted into hard copies.
Preparation
Your medical expert will give you instructions pertaining to your situation. Again, inform the doctor if you have metal implants and remove all metal objects from your person, prior to the test. If the uterus is being scanned, you may be asked to fill your bladder to enhance the images.
X-ray
X-rays are used to identify and diagnose many types of medical conditions including cancer.
The Method
After changing into a hospital gown, the patient is asked to stand or sit in front of an X-ray machine. Your body is exposed to electromagnetic waves that permeate parts of the internal anatomy and produce the images on a film. Depending on the number of affected parts, images may be taken from various angles.
In certain instances and if the patient is unable to leave the bed, a portable X-ray machine can be used. It is a compact piece of equipment, which can be transported to the patient’s room.
Preparation
There is little preparation before X-ray tests. The doctor will give you specific instructions if the situation calls for it. He/she must also be informed if you are or could be pregnant.
You will also have to remove all metal objects like watches, hairpins, etc. before the test. The doctor should also know whether the area to be X-rayed is implanted with any metal objects