A scintigram is a diagram showing the distribution of a radioactive tracer in any part of the human body. It is obtained as a result of recording light flashes coming from a scintillator and emitting radioactive radiation of varying intensity. This research method is called scintigraphy. By sequentially scanning the human body from one area to another, it is possible to create a “map” of the distribution of radioactive substances in different areas, which facilitates the diagnosis of certain malignant and other diseases. The recording obtained as a result of such a study is also called a scanogram (scintiscan).
Scintigram: what is it and how does it help in diagnosing diseases
A scintigram is a diagram that reflects the distribution of a radioactive tracer in any part of the human body. This diagram is obtained by recording light flashes coming from the scintillator and emitting radioactive radiation of varying intensities. This research method is called scintigraphy.
Using a scintigram, you can obtain information about the distribution of radioactive substances in various human organs and tissues. This makes it possible to detect diseases that cannot be detected by other research methods. Most often, scintigraphy is used to diagnose cancer, bone diseases and the cardiovascular system.
To obtain a scintigram, the patient is injected with a radioactive drug that is distributed throughout the body. Then the radiation is recorded using a special camera. By sequentially scanning the human body from one area to another, it is possible to create a “map” of the distribution of radioactive substances in different areas, which facilitates the diagnosis of certain malignant and other diseases. The recording obtained as a result of such a study is also called a scanogram (scintiscan).
One of the advantages of scintigraphy is its high sensitivity. Thanks to this method, it is possible to detect diseases in the early stages of development, when they do not yet cause obvious symptoms. In addition, scintigraphy is non-invasive, that is, it does not require the introduction of instruments into the patient’s body, which reduces the risk of complications.
However, scintigraphy also has some disadvantages. For example, the radioactive drugs used in this method may cause allergic reactions in some patients. In addition, due to the high sensitivity of scintigraphy, changes that are not diseases may be detected, which can lead to false positive results and inappropriate treatment.
In general, scintigraphy is an important method for diagnosing diseases, which allows one to obtain information about the patient’s body at an early stage of the development of the disease. Many diseases, such as cancer and bone diseases, can be successfully treated if they are detected at an early stage. Therefore, scintigraphy is a valuable tool for doctors who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
One example of the use of scintigraphy is its use in diagnosing breast cancer. In this case, the patient is injected with a radioactive drug that is detected by cancer cells. The breast is then scanned, and based on the scintigram obtained, the doctor can determine the location of the tumor and its size.
Scintigraphy is also widely used to diagnose bone diseases such as osteomyelitis and bone tumors. In this case, a radioactive drug is injected into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Then a bone scan is performed, and based on the resulting scintigram, the doctor can determine the location of the disease and its degree of development.
In addition, scintigraphy can be used to diagnose diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as coronary heart disease and thrombophlebitis. In this case, a radioactive drug is injected into a vein, and then a scan of the heart and blood vessels is performed.
In conclusion, scintigraphy is an important method for diagnosing various diseases, which provides information about the distribution of radioactive substances in the patient's body. This method is non-invasive and highly sensitive, making it a valuable tool for doctors. However, like any other diagnostic method, scintigraphy has its disadvantages and limitations, and its use must be agreed upon with a medical specialist.
Scintigraphy is a special study based on the use of radionuclides of increased radioactivity, which helps to evaluate or even detect the slightest changes in human organs and tissues. The radiation is directed into the body through the injection of a special solution. The indicator is then fixed using disposable marking tape. Beams of rays are received at a detector device, forming images.
Based on the nature of the pathology, the tumor can be equally expressed in all parts of the body. However, when the stage of formation changes, it is capable of increasing its mass and metastasizing. To monitor the growth of pathology during frequent dynamic examinations, scintigraphy of the abdomen, pelvis, head, and chest is performed. The results obtained are deciphered. Imaging helps to identify or refute the presence of a malignant process and benign pathology. Also, based on the results, a survival prognosis and the possibility of removing metastases are formed.