Nuclear medicine involves a multitude of disciplines, including chemistry, computer technology, and mathematics, and is used to proactively diagnose and treat early abnormalities associated with disease. Although x-rays can provide visualization of soft tissue such as intestines, blood vessels, and muscles, visualization can be difficult without a contrast agent. Using a contrast dye, nuclear imaging allows for more comprehensive visualization of organ and tissue structure and can help identify tumors, infections, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan can also be used to evaluate organ function and blood circulation.
Nuclear imaging can include:
- Renal scans: These are used to examine the kidneys and to find any abnormalities. These include abnormal function or obstruction of the renal blood flow.
- Thyroid scans: These are used to evaluate thyroid function or to better evaluate a thyroid nodule or mass.
- Bone scans: These are used to evaluate any degenerative and arthritic changes in the joints, to find bone diseases and tumors, and to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation.
- Gallium scans: These are used to diagnose active infectious and inflammatory diseases, tumors, and abscesses.
- Heart scans: These are used to identify abnormal blood flow to the heart, to determine the extent of the damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack, and to measure heart function.
- Brain scans: These are used to investigate problems within the brain and the blood circulation to the brain.
- Breast scans: These are often used in conjunction with mammograms to locate cancerous tissue in the breast.
