Cancer Dictionary

Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body in detail. It combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. CT provides more detailed information than standard X-rays.

A PET Scan or Positron Emission Tomography is a diagnostic imaging test used in medicine. It uses a radioactive substance known as a tracer to look for disease or abnormalities in the body. PET scans provide detailed 3-dimensional images, mostly used for detecting cancer, heart abnormalities and brain disorders. This scan is highly effective in revealing or evaluating several conditions as it shows how organs and tissues are functioning.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose medical conditions. It utilizes a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. MRI can be used to examine various parts of the body, including the brain, spine, joints, abdomen, blood vessels, and heart.

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures, such as organs, tissues, or blood flow. It's a non-invasive and safe diagnostic method used widely in medicine, particularly in obstetrics for pregnancy monitoring and diagnosis of related conditions.

A PET/CT scan is a combination of two imaging techniques. PET (Positron Emission Tomography) reveals the body's metabolic activity, while CT (Computed Tomography) provides detailed anatomic information. By merging these two techniques into a single scan, doctors can more accurately diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases, particularly cancer, by pinpointing their exact location and extent in the body.

A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test that helps diagnose and track several types of bone diseases and conditions. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material, which then travels through the bloodstream and is absorbed by the bones. A scanner detects and measures the radiation, creating images or "maps" of bone metabolism for analysis.

Bioluminescence imaging is a non-invasive technique used to study biological processes in living organisms by detecting light emitted from chemical reactions within the body. This method is often used in research to track cellular and molecular events in real-time.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves and special contrast agents to create detailed images of the body's internal organs and blood flow. It enhances the clarity and detail of ultrasound images, helping doctors diagnose and monitor various conditions more effectively.

Digital pathology is the practice of using digital imaging technology to analyze and interpret pathology slides. This method allows pathologists to view, share, and store high-resolution images of tissue samples, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and collaboration.

Molecular imaging is a type of medical imaging that provides detailed pictures of what is happening inside the body at the molecular and cellular level. This technique is used to visualize the processes in the body, such as how a disease progresses or how a treatment is working.

An X-ray is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to capture images of internal body structures, especially bones. It helps in detecting abnormalities like fractures, infections, or tumors. This non-invasive procedure is widely used in the healthcare industry for diagnostic purposes.