Imaging

 

X-rays

Introduction:
There may be times when the doctor may need to visualize the inside of your child’s body.  In order to do this, x-rays are taken.

Preparation:
There are no restrictions or preparations needed.

Procedure:
The test is painless.  The child lies on a table and a machine takes the picture.

 

CT Scans

Introduction:
Ct scans show “3-D” pictures of the body.  Some people are allergic to certain contrast medicines.  Let your doctor know (ahead of time) if you have any allergies to iodine or shellfish.

Preparation:
The patient may be told to avoid food and drinks 3 hours before the test if a contrast medicine is needed.  If you are being sedated, you will need to avoid food/drinks 4 hours before the test.

Procedure:
The test is painless.  The patient lies down on a table while the machine turns around him taking pictures.  The patient will want to be comfortable, so wear loose clothing that has no snaps or metal.  Jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, etc. must be removed before a head CT.

 

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Introduction:
Magnetic Response Imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless way of imaging the internal organs of the body.  It produces pictures in “slices” –much like a CT scan- but does not use ionizing radiation.

Preparation:
No preparation is necessary for the scan.  The patient may eat or drink before the exam and continue his or her normal activities afterwards.  If your child will be sedated, his or her Anesthesiologist will inform you of the necessary preparation.  The patient should not take any metal objects into the examination room, including watches, partial plate, dentures, hearing aids, credit cards, hairpins, etc.

Procedure:
The MRI takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on what part of the body needs to be examined.  The patient will lie on a table while a machine takes pictures over the patient.  During the scan the patient will hear a loud tapping sound that the machine makes while it takes the pictures.  The patient will also receive an IV injection during the procedure to help the doctor see more clearly.  Some people feel nervous during the MRI exams due to the loud noise and the enclosed space.  If your child has difficulty with this, let your treatment team know so that medications can be prescribed ahead of time.

 

PET scan

Introduction:
PET (positron emission tomography) is a whole body scan which looks at abnormal biochemistry in the body.  In cancer biochemistry changes occur before a tumor mass forms.  Consequently, PET can identify the presence of disease earlier than other tests.

Preparation:
Your child may have nothing to eat or drink (except water) for 6 hours prior to the test.  You may continue all medications as prescribed by your physician. 

Procedure:
An IV will be inserted and FDG (a form of glucose or sugar) is injected.  You rest for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the injection to circulate.  Your child will need to be perfectly still for PET scan or sedation may be required.  The scan takes approximately one hour.

 

Gallium Scans

Introduction:
A gallium scan allows the doctor to evaluate soft tissue in your child’s body.

Preparation:
No specific preparation is needed for this test.

Procedure:
The procedure is similar to a bone scan; however, this test looks at soft tissue.  Your child will receive an intravenous injection of an imaging solution that will localize in areas of infection, abscess, and tumors.  After the injection you can go home but will return to be scanned in 48 hours and then again at 72 hours.  The test ranges from 30 to 50 minutes for each visit.

 

*Information provided by Florida Hospital Cancer Institute

Last update Nov. 1, 2008