Understanding Radiation Exposure from Mammograms and Bone Scans: Key Concerns
Radiation exposure values for simultaneous bone scans and mammography? 1. After undergoing a mammogram with four images taken from different angles on the same side, the radiation dose is approximately 0.7 mSv, which typically refers to the total dose for the entire mammogram. Wh...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Angel, 1. The radiation dose from a mammogram is related to factors such as the energy intensity of the machine, the distance of exposure, and the duration of the procedure. Generally, the radiation dose from a mammogram is approximately 0.7 millisieverts (mSv). To kno...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure from Mammograms and Bone Scans: Key Concerns
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Results and Functionality
Report results of salivary gland scintigraphy? Hello, Director. Thank you for your previous response. I forgot to attach my report content last time. Below is my report, and I would like to ask about the functional status of my salivary glands and other glands. Is there significa...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Ray: Based on this report, there is a slight decrease in salivary gland function. However, as mentioned last time, assessing the condition cannot rely solely on a single test; it is essential to consider other clinical data for a comprehensive evaluation. If you have an...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Results and Functionality
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy: Insights and Safety Concerns
Report on Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Examination Hello, Director. I underwent a salivary gland nuclear medicine scan at Kaohsiung Medical University due to my dry mouth condition. The rheumatologist mentioned that everything looks fine, but I would appreciate it if you could exp...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Ray, regarding the report content, due to personal data protection laws, I am unable to obtain your report. Furthermore, clinical physicians rarely rely solely on a single test result to assess a condition; they typically integrate other relevant clinical information to...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy: Insights and Safety Concerns
Impact of Bone Scans on Proximity to Children: Safety Concerns Explained
Bone scans involve exposure to a small amount of radioactive material, which is generally considered safe. However, it is advisable to minimize close contact with children after the procedure to reduce any potential radiation exposure? I underwent a whole-body bone scan on June 2...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Miss Ai Er. The amount of radiation exposure is primarily influenced by three factors: the intensity of the radiation itself, the distance from the radiation source, and the duration of exposure. The radiation intensity of the pharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine is ge...[Read More] Impact of Bone Scans on Proximity to Children: Safety Concerns Explained
Is It Safe to Schedule Mammograms, CT Scans, and Bone Scans on the Same Day?
Contrast agents, radiation, and isotopes? Hello Dr. Lin, the outpatient physician has scheduled a mammogram, a chest CT scan with contrast, and a whole-body bone scan with isotope. The chest CT requires the use of contrast agents, and the whole-body bone scan involves radioisotop...
Dr. Lin Lifang Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiries: 1. Radiopharmaceuticals do not have renal side effects; theoretically, they do not harm the kidneys, and the likelihood of allergic reactions is quite low. However, contrast agents may cause renal impairment under certain conditions: if you...[Read More] Is It Safe to Schedule Mammograms, CT Scans, and Bone Scans on the Same Day?
Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results for Dementia Diagnosis
CEREBRAL PERFUSION SCAN WITH SPECT examination report for consultation? Dear Director, Thank you for taking the time to assist with my inquiries. Below are the results of my father's (78 years old) Cerebral Perfusion Scan with SPECT conducted on February 21, 2024. I would l...
Dr. Lin Lifang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: The cerebral perfusion score is typically assessed through visual interpretation of the areas and locations of perfusion deficits, in conjunction with the clinical history. The report mentions that there is poorer metabolism in the bilateral parietal lobes and the ...[Read More] Understanding SPECT Cerebral Perfusion Scan Results for Dementia Diagnosis
Understanding Abnormal Brain Perfusion Scans: Implications for Cognitive Function
Cerebral perfusion computed tomography (CT perfusion) 1. I underwent a cerebral perfusion CT at National Cheng Kung University, and the doctor informed me of abnormalities. I would like to know what these results signify and whether they are related to my cognitive decline. (Bila...
Dr. Lin Lifang Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have undergone a nuclear medicine brain perfusion scan, which is typically used to help diagnose potential cerebral ischemia (such as stroke) or degenerative diseases (such as dementia). Brain perfusion refers to the distribution of blood flo...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Brain Perfusion Scans: Implications for Cognitive Function
Impact of CT Scan Radiation on Kidney Health and Pregnancy Concerns
Computed Tomography Radiation Hello Dr. Zheng: I underwent two contrast-enhanced CT scans of my kidneys within a short span of two days in October 2022 (due to visiting different emergency departments), and I also had a renal dynamic imaging within the following month. I would li...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Li, regarding the renal dynamic imaging performed in nuclear medicine using Tc-99m radiopharmaceuticals, these agents typically do not affect kidney function. However, the radioactive substances can remain in the body for about 1 to 3 days. Therefore, if the examination...[Read More] Impact of CT Scan Radiation on Kidney Health and Pregnancy Concerns
Impact of Metal Objects During PET Scans: What You Need to Know
The process of positron emission tomography (PET) involves the presence of metal objects? I had a PET scan today, and during the first scan, I forgot to take my keys out of my pants pocket. I was reminded afterward, and I removed them for the second scan. I would like to know if ...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin, I apologize for the delay in responding to your question due to personal reasons. Metal objects like keys can obstruct the passage of radiation in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, resulting in artifacts on the images. It is important to avoid such item...[Read More] Impact of Metal Objects During PET Scans: What You Need to Know
Understanding PET Scan Results for Colon Cancer: A Patient's Guide
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) I underwent a colonoscopy for a health check-up, during which a 1 cm polyp was removed. I was then referred to the oncology department for a PET scan, with the report as follows: According to the NCCN guidelines, I have been diagnosed with pT1 c...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Mr. Li, based on your positron emission tomography (PET) report, there are three main conclusions: 1. There is no significant residual tumor or metastatic lesions observed in the imaging following treatment for your sigmoid colon cancer. 2. There is a lesion in the right ...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Colon Cancer: A Patient's Guide
Understanding PET Scan Results for Suspected Melanoma: A Guide
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello Dr. Cheng, this year during an ophthalmology examination, a suspected melanoma was found, so I opted for a self-paid PET scan. I recently received the report, but it is all in the original language, and I have no understanding of the score...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Wenwen, based on this PET scan report, several abnormalities have been noted: 1. In the left eye, the SUV value is elevated (SUV represents the intensity of the PET imaging), which is consistent with the clinical findings of melanoma in the left eye. 2. The lymph nodes ...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results for Suspected Melanoma: A Guide
Understanding Salivary Gland Scans: Insights on Results and Diagnosis
Sialography Hello Doctor, my immunologist arranged a salivary gland scan, and the report data is as follows: At 1/15/30 minutes: Right parotid 2.90/6.81/3.52, Left parotid 6.61/15.60/6.37, Right submandibular 6.85/7.78/4.16, Left submandibular 10.1/12/6.2. The doctor's diagn...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Jade. 1. The nuclear medicine salivary gland examination primarily involves the injection of radiopharmaceuticals to observe the function of the salivary glands. If dry mouth is not due to abnormal salivary gland function, it typically will not interfere with the res...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scans: Insights on Results and Diagnosis
Understanding PET Scan Anomalies: Insights for Breast Cancer Patients
The PET scan report shows abnormalities, but the endoscopy results are normal? Hello Doctor: I am a breast cancer patient, stage I, and I have completed eight rounds of chemotherapy. The doctor is also preparing for surgery. Last week, before the surgery, the doctor arranged for ...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chen. Various medical tests have their limitations, such as the possibility of false positives. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is currently an excellent imaging test used in the medical field for cancer diagnosis, but it can still produce some false positives that ...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Anomalies: Insights for Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding PET Scan Results: Key Insights for Breast Cancer Patients
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Inquiry Hello Doctor: Before my surgery for breast cancer, the hospital performed a PET scan. *Some minimal hot spots at left axillary nodes (SUVmax.eq=1.47).* A hot spot at the right posterior laryngeal region (SUVmax.eq=4.49).* Mild sym...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Miss Yueyue. This should be your second inquiry article. Your first question's third point refers to the mild symmetrical FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose, the radiotracer used in PET scans) uptake in both breasts. This situation is usually a normal physiological uptake, which...[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: Key Insights for Breast Cancer Patients
Understanding Radiation Risks in Nuclear Medicine: Patient Concerns Addressed
Radiation issues My female patient had an MRI of the lungs in December and is scheduled for a nuclear medicine thyroid scan in May. Will this pose any harm to her body? Is there a risk of cellular mutation?
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Miss Peng. According to the literature, low-dose radiation exposure below 100 millisieverts does not increase the risk of cancer, and most nuclear medicine examinations involve radiation exposure below this threshold, so they do not significantly impact human health. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Risks in Nuclear Medicine: Patient Concerns Addressed
Post-Nuclear Medicine Care: Can You Safely Interact with Family?
Nuclear Medicine After undergoing nuclear medicine treatment for the thyroid, is it necessary to avoid contact with family members at home? Why is that? Should I also sleep in a separate room?
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Miss Mei Mei. Nuclear medicine examinations require the injection of radiopharmaceuticals that contain trace amounts of radioactive isotopes, which may result in minimal radiation exposure to those around you. However, the injected substances will decay over time and will ...[Read More] Post-Nuclear Medicine Care: Can You Safely Interact with Family?
Post-Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Home Care Guidelines and Precautions
Post-treatment home care issues after Iodine-131 therapy? A few days ago, I was hospitalized for 3 days for iodine-131 treatment due to thyroid cancer. The discharge education materials indicated that I should maintain distance from family members, use separate utensils for eatin...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Y, regarding the two questions you asked: 1. Since the excretion of radioactive iodine primarily occurs through our urine and feces, it is recommended to drink plenty of water twice to reduce environmental contamination. 2. Cooking is not affected. Wishing you good heal...[Read More] Post-Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Home Care Guidelines and Precautions
Understanding Your PET Scan Results After Lymphoma Chemotherapy
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Hello, I am a lymphatic cancer patient who underwent six cycles of chemotherapy followed by a PET scan. Could you please help me explain the results? THANKS **FDG PET/CT [Interpretation]** 1. There are fibrotic changes and ground-glass opacitie...
Dr. Zhuang Zhijian Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question! Based on the information you provided, the report's inference indicates that there were no clear findings of malignancies that would uptake a significant amount of fluorodeoxyglucose during this examination. Positron emission tomography (P...[Read More] Understanding Your PET Scan Results After Lymphoma Chemotherapy
Does Eating Between PET/CT Scans Affect Accuracy? Expert Insights
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scan, should patients refrain from eating before the examination? Hello, Director Zheng. I have undergone several PET scans due to my breast cancer. I would like to inquire about the fasting requirement of maintaining an e...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Hsia. I apologize for the delayed response due to the busy clinical schedule. The radiopharmaceutical used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, FDG, is a compound similar to glucose. If blood sugar levels are too high, it competes with the radiotracer, which ...[Read More] Does Eating Between PET/CT Scans Affect Accuracy? Expert Insights
Does Eating Between PET/CT Scans Affect Accuracy of Results?
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scan, is fasting required before the examination? Hello, Director Zheng. I have undergone several PET scans due to my breast cancer. I would like to inquire about the fasting requirement of 6 hours prior to the scan, which...
Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Hsia. I apologize for the delayed response due to the busy clinical schedule. The radiopharmaceutical used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, FDG, is a compound similar to glucose. If blood sugar levels are too high, it can compete with the radiotracer, res...[Read More] Does Eating Between PET/CT Scans Affect Accuracy of Results?
Nuclear Medicine FAQ
| Iodine-131 | Pet Scan |
| Positron Emission Tomography | Radiation |