Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (given either orally or intravenously) to examine an organ's structure and metabolic function, and is used to:
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Evaluate the body’s organs for abnormalities in metabolic function or structure (such as the kidneys, gallbladder, thyroid, parathyroid glands, stomach, etc.)
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Evaluate the spread or regression of cancer before, during and/or after treatment
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Identify bone infection or prosthetic loosening after joint replacement
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Identify blood clots in the lungs
- Determine heart function and/or the presence of critically blocked coronary arteries that may indicate the need for stenting or bypass surgery
- Aid in locating the sentinel node for breast cancer or melanoma surgery
- Localize the intestinal bleeding site in acute GI bleeding
- Assess for gallbladder dysfunction or gallstone obstruction
Nuclear medicine technologists at Lower Keys Medical Center utilize advanced technology that delivers results quickly so doctors can begin treatment as soon as possible. We offer a wide range of diagnostic imaging services, including:
- Bone scans
- Cardiac stress scans
- Gastric empty scans
- GI bleeding scans
- Liver scans
- Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node injection for melanoma surgery
- Parathyroid scans
- Red blood cell scans
- Renal scans
- Sentinel node injection prior to breast cancer surgery
- Thyroid uptake and/or imaging scans
- Tumor imaging
- Ventilation and perfusion lung scans
Therapy Procedures
The nuclear medicine team is able to provide therapeutic interventions to treat:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer (using brachytherapy)