Our Expertise

Neutron Therapy Definitions

Computed tomography (CT) scan
A computed tomography scan is an x-ray procedure, usually called a CT scan (“cat” scan). It takes a lot of pictures as it rotates around the patient and shows detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. The doctor will have pictures of many slices of the part of -the body under study.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The MRI is an imaging technique that uses radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. The body absorbs energy from the radio waves and then releases it in a certain pattern. The type of tissue or disease determines the pattern. A computer translates the pattern into very detailed images of the body. The MRI shows a cross-sectional slice of the body (like a CT scanner) and lengthwise slices as well.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
The PET scan is an imaging technique that uses glucose (a form of sugar) containing a radioactive atom. A small amount is injected into the patient’s arm. Then the patient lies on a PET machine. A special camera detects the radioactivity in any part of the body. Cancer cells tend to absorb large amounts of the radioactive sugar. The PET scan can help your team of physicians find any places where cancer may have spread.

Back to Neutron Therapy

 

May 2006