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Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a division of radiology that images body functions (as opposed to body structures). It uses only a small dose of radiation and is an attractive, non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery.

First, a radioactive material (called a tracer) is given orally or by intravenous injection. Once inside the body, the tracer collects in certain areas and reacts with body tissue to produce gamma radiation. All types of nuclear medicine scanning apparatus measure this radiation.

After the tracer is absorbed, the patient lies down on the scanning table and is placed beneath or inside the scanning device (depending on the unit). Cameras detect the emitted gamma radiation, and a computer processes and displays high-quality images.

Nuclear Cardiology

Studying tissue function with nuclear medicine aids in the diagnosis of many kinds of diseases, tumors, infection and other disorders in the brain, heart, lungs, bone, bowel, kidneys, thyroids and other internal structures. Nuclear cardiology focuses on imaging the heart to locate or diagnose problems with the heart. Scans may be performed in conjunction with other types of imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray) or with stress tests to determine the cause of unexplained chest pain.

Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray exam used to obtain images of the breast. It is a highly useful tool in the early detection of breast cancer because it may show an abnormality in breast tissue before the patient or doctor can feel it. Screening and diagnostic mammography can aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases, lumps, cysts and benign and malignant tumors.

During the procedure, the breast is placed on a small platform and compressed with a paddle while it is exposed to a very low dose of radiation. Images are then displayed on a computer screen or printed on special film. Yearly mammograms are recommended for women over 40. Those who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer should consult with their physician about when to start having mammograms.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiologists are involved in the treatment of the patient, as well as the diagnosis of disease. They treat an ever-widening range of conditions inside the body from outside the body by inserting various small instruments or tools, such as catheters or wires, with the use of various x-ray and imaging techniques (i.e., CT scanners, MRI scanners, ultrasound scanners). Interventional radiology offers an alternative to the surgical treatment of many conditions and can eliminate the need for hospitalization, in some cases.

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