|
What is a Nuclear Medicine Bone
Scan?
|
| Bone scans are a nuclear medicine study
used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and
joints and can be used to detect diseases of the
bone at an early stage. A radioactive substance (used
as a tracer) is injected intravenously. The material
travels through the bloodstream, into the soft tissue,
eventually localizing in the bones. An image of its
distribution is analyzed to detect certain diseases
or conditions including fractures, infections, arthritis,
or tumors. |
| |
| Why would my physician order a
Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan? |
| Bone scans are most frequently ordered
to check whether a cancer, which originated elsewhere,
has spread to the bones. Many cancers that begin
in the breasts, kidneys, lungs, prostate, thyroid,
or urinary bladder are most likely to spread, or
metastasize to the bones. If metastases are found,
periodic follow up bone scans may be ordered to measure
the effectiveness of therapy. |
| |
| What are the benefits of a Nuclear
Medicine Bone Scan versus an X-Ray? |
| Nuclear medicine bone scans are often
more effective than x-rays because they can detect
tumor or infection in the bone earlier. Bone scans
are useful in diagnosing early arthritic changes,
and monitoring both the progression of the disease
and the effectiveness of treatment. |
| |
| Where can I go to get a Nuclear
Medicine Bone Scan? |
|
Radiology Associates of Ocala offers this
procedure at the Medical Imaging Center at Windsor
Oaks.
|
 Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks
1901 SE 18th Avenue, Bldg 200A |
| |
| Is there pain and/or discomfort
during a Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan? |
|
After the radioactive substance has been
administered, the patient will wait 3 to 4 hours
for the substance to collect in the skeletal system.
Patients are free to move around during this time
and are encouraged to drink fluids and urinate
frequently. Ensuring the patient's bladder is empty
before the exam begins eliminates the radioactive
material from being concentrated in the urinary
bladder, obscuring parts of the pelvic bones.
Patients will feel no pain and minimal
discomfort during a nuclear medicine bone scan.
The patient is required to lie still during the
exam unless prompted to move or change positions.
Overall, nuclear medicine bone scans are highly
effective and are very safe. The radioactive material
is quickly released from the body and the radiation
dose from this test is similar to most routine
X-Ray procedures.
|
| |
