Procedure: Body Scan
 Purpose:
To detect and measure coronary calcium (see coronary
artery scan), to detect lung cancer and other abnormalities
in the lungs (see lung scan), and to detect
cancer and other abnormalities in the abdomen (kidneys, liver, pancreas,
gall bladder, abdominal aorta, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, spleen),
and pelvis (bladder, prostate, ovaries, and uterus).
For whom appropriate: The same individuals
for whom coronary artery scans and lung scans are appropriate
Significance:
- Cardiovascular disease and cancer are by far the two largest
causes of death in the United States, accounting for almost 3
out of every 4 deaths. The body scan, performed in just a matter
of minutes, screens for the presence of both heart disease and
many types of cancer, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- The earlier heart disease is detected, the greater the likelihood
it can be slowed, stopped or even reversed. The earlier a cancer
is detected, the greater the likelihood it can be successfully
treated (radiation, chemotherapy, surgery) before it has spread
to other organs.
- Five percent of men over the age of 60 develop abdominal aortic
aneurysms, most of which do not result in symptoms. Rupture of
an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a catastrophe, a highly lethal
event typically resulting in immediate death.
Caution:
- The Body Scan is performed for screening purposes. It is intended
to supplement, and not replace
- other screening and diagnostic procedures recommended by
a patient's physician or
- other screening procedures generally considered age and
gender appropriate.
|
