Medical+Treatments

Medical Treatments A **__medical treatment__** is a way of curing a patient medically or surgically. ** X ray ** An x ray is a machine that sends electromagnetic particles throughout the body. As the particles move throughout the body, it allows and image to be seen of any broken or fractured bones and any torn tissues or ligaments. While an x ray is being taken, you must put on a lead vest, so the radiation does not damage any tissue.On an x ray, bones appear white, and any muscles, fat, or organs appear gray.While getting an x ray, you have to sit really still or else the picture will come out really blurry. X rays are painless.

** Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ** Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) is a test that uses a tracer, which is a radioactive substance throughout the body. The tracer looks for any diseases, and checks to make sure that all your organs and tissues are working correctly. The tracer is injected into a vein, usually in the elbow, which then circulates throughout the veins and absorbs into all organs and tissue. While getting a PET scan you must lay on your back as still as you can for about 1 hour, which is ho w long they last. PET scans sting a bit when injected, but you cannot feel anything once it is inside of your body.



** Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) ** A Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT Scan) is machine that also sends tracers into your body. The tracers during a SPECT Scan are also injected into your veins, but check to make sure your blood is flowing to the heart, and make sure your heart is functioning properly. There is a special "gamma" camera, that picks up a signal from the tracers, and transforms it into images. These images tell the doctor if your heart is getting the amount of blood it requires to function properly. During a SPECT Scan, the doctor will conduct an Electrocardiogram (ECG) simultaneously, in which they place electrodes onto your chest, arms, and legs, to keep track of your heartbeat. A cuff is also placed onto your arm to monitor your blood pressure throughout the scan. ** Cardiovascular Imaging (CVI) ** Cardiovascular Imaging is crucial to detecting, monitoring, and repairing any cardiac disorders. There are several methods of CVI to assist doctors in assessing defects. The most common procedures are non-invasive scans known as Computed Tomography (CAT Scans) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A CAT Scan monitors the vascular structures, such as major arteries, and all of their branch vessels. An MRI focuses on the tissue and muscles of the heart.

** Bone Scanning ** A bone scan is an image which detects if you have any bone infections. During a bone scan, a tracer is injected into a vein, which then travels through the blood to all of the bones throughout your body. The machine takes pictures to see how many tracers actually absorb into the bones. If a majority of them are absorbed, you most likely have a bone infection. Once the tracers wear off, a small amount of radiation is given off. While getting a bone scan, you may not have any metal on, and you must wear a hospital gown. ** Radiation Therapy **

Radiation Therapy is a cancer treatment that gives off a lot a radiation, that kills cancer cells, and stops them from spreading. You can have the internal radiation, which means that radioactive substances enter your body, or you can have external radiation, which means that machines do the treatment.Although the radiation kills cancer cells, it will also damage or kill some of your normal cells. These factors determine how much radiation will be given to you during the treatment:
 * The type of cancer
 * The size of the cancer
 * The cancer's location in the body
 * How close the cancer is to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation
 * How far into the body the radiation needs to travel
 * Your general health and medical history
 * Whether you will have other types of cancer treatment



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Brianna Skinner period 9 November 20, 2013