Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is used to determine how organs and other soft tissues within the body are functioning and can alleviate the need for exploratory surgery.

Patients receive a radioactive substance, either by mouth or intravenously (IV) which emits energy that is tracked by special cameras as it travels the body. The radiation is similar to that of an X-ray. The imaging may be done immediately, within a few days, or possibly after several days because organs absorb the substance at different rates. The scan lasts from 20 to 45 minutes during which the patient must remain very still.

Nuclear Medicine is used to:

  • Reveal tumors, infection and other disorders
  • Analyze kidney function
  • Image blood flow and function of the heart
  • Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
  • Identify blockages of the gallbladder
  • Evaluate bones for fracture, infection arthritis or tumor
  • Determine the presence and spread of cancer
  • Locate bleeding of the bowel
  • Measure thyroid function

Nuclear Medicine examinations include:

  • MUGA Scan
  • Thallium Stress Test
  • Hepatobiliary
  • Bone Scan
  • PET Scan
  • Brachytherapy
  • Lung Exam for Pulmonary Emboli

Risks of Nuclear Medicine:

  • Complications from nuclear medicine tests, including allergic reaction to the radiopharmaceutical, do occur but are extremely rare.
  • While nuclear medicine procedures do require exposure to a very small dose of radiation, there are no known long-term adverse effects.
  • Exposure to radiation during pregnancy should be kept to a minimum. Be sure to inform your physician if you are pregnant.

Advanced technologies now available at Rush-Copley:

PET/CT Scanning

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detects minute metabolic changes indicating the presence of growing cancer cells. When combined with Computerized Tomography (CT) doctors can view the exact size, shape and location of cancerous growths. Both scans are done simultaneously. The result is a comprehensive diagnostic picture of the internal anatomy. PET/CT is used to detect the exact location and extent of cancer including breast, esophageal, cervical, melanoma, lymphoma, lung, colorectal, head and neck and ovarian cancers.

Therasphere® Therapy

TheraSphere® is a breakthrough treatment for some inoperable liver cancers. It involves the placement of tiny glass beads containing radioactive substances directly into a tumor via the blood vessels that feed it.  The beads deliver radiation therapy to the tumor in order to shrink it. Because the treatment is delivered directly within the tumor, healthy surrounding tissue is spared from radiation damage. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with sedation, and has few complications. Several visits are required and follow-up treatment usually spans several months. The radiation from the beads leaves the body very quickly, usually 10 – 12 days after it has been administered.