In Vivo Imaging For Cancer Evaluation
Doctors use in vivo imaging for cancer evaluation to examine both the molecular and cellular pathways of a malignancy. In vivo means “within the body, ” indicating that imaging equipment takes pictures of body cells and tissues within their normal physiological surroundings. CT scans, MRIs, optical scans, PET scans, SPECT scans, and ultrasound, each provide examples involving in vivo imaging methods.
CT scans are formed by bombarding the body with a series of x-rays. When directed at tissues from different angles, the x-rays produce a cross-sectional image, for doctors to evaluate. CT scans detect certain malignancies, and are also used to guide biopsies, surgeries, and targeted radiation therapy. Other applications include locating blood clots, infections, internal bleeding, internal injury, and muscle and bone disorders.
The MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is another diagnostic tool. A MRI machine uses a magnetic field, and radio waves, to create detailed images of tissues, and organs, within the body. The MRI is the most frequently used imaging test for the brain and spinal cord, and also detects abnormalities in the heart, bones and joints, breasts, and internal organs.
Light is used to create the optical scan. An external source of light directs photons at the body, which, after being either absorbed or scattered, are picked up with a photon detector. Technicians often use fluorescent dyes to distinguish proteins, antibodies, genes, and other small molecules. Probes, which remain in the body for some time, are sometimes added to the medium before the application of photons.
Another photoacoustic tool is the positron emission tomography scan, or PET scan. PET scans work by detecting radioactive tracers within the body, which tend to accumulate in diseased tissue, because of the high rate of chemical reactions. Patients either inhale, swallow, or are injected with the tracers, which are then absorbed into the appropriate tissues and organs. Diseased cells show up on the three-dimensional scan as bright spots, which helps to distinguish them from their surrounding tissues.
Doctors also use SPECT scans to create images from radioactive compounds. SPECT (single-photon emission computerized tomography) shows the inner workings of different organs, particularly the heart and the brain. Within the realm of cancer, SPECT scans are particularly useful for detecting and tracking bone cancers.
Ultrasound creates images with high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound evaluates abnormalities in some organs, like the prostate, and may guide biopsy and tumor treatment. Ultrasound also has applications in the study of the heart and blood flow, as well as evaluating the condition of a fetus.
Molecular images have many applications, including imaging in vivo for evaluation of cancer. Cancers are among the top ten causes of death throughout the world, and proper diagnosis, and treatment, will either cure the disease, or extend quality of life. Following cancers at all stages enables doctors to introduce the right courses of therapy, as well as to make treatment as non-invasive as possible.
The top in vivo imaging company provides modalities designed for preclinical research in cancer metastasis. These cutting-edge technologies include the biomaker, high-resolution imaging, photoacoustic digital imaging, and the rat heart.
July 21, 2011 | Posted by Adriana Noton
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