a low-level radioactive marker, usually technetium-99m or technetium pertechnetate.
A salivary gland scan is done to help diagnose the cause of dry mouth. It is a test that is done when Sjogren's syndrome, salivary duct obstruction, asymmetric hypertrophy, or growths such as Warthin's tumors are suspected.
A salivary gland scan is a safe test. The only risk is to the fetus of a pregnant woman. Women who are pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with their doctor.
Yes, salivary gland stones are usually radiopaque, meaning they can be visualized on imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans due to their calcified composition. This allows healthcare providers to confirm the presence of the stone and plan appropriate treatment.
The entire process takes about ten minutes for the injection and 30-45 minutes for the scan.
tissue sample will be taken for study via a biopsy.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are also used to evaluate the tumor.
The only people who should not undergo this test are pregnant women.It may be necessary to wait until earlier radiopharmaceuticals have been cleared from the body before undergoing this scan.
No special preparations are needed for this test. It is not necessary to fast or to restrict medications before testing. Any blood that needs to be drawn for other tests should be taken before the radiopharmaceutical is injected.
Radionuclide bone scans. These scans involve injecting a small amount of radioactive material into a vein. Primary tumors or cells that have metastasized absorb the radioactive material and show up as dark spots on the scan.
n
Bleeding scans are based on the accumulation of radioactive material as it exits from the vessels during a bleeding episode.
Thyroid scans can detect a variety of thyroid-related conditions, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. They assess the size, shape, and function of the thyroid gland by using radioactive tracers that highlight areas of abnormal activity. Additionally, these scans can help distinguish between benign and malignant nodules. Overall, they provide valuable insights into thyroid health and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
If you are receiving radiation treatment for cancer, you can still be around kids. The radiation, and the cancer, are not contagious.Another Answer:It depends on whether you just receive radiation, or if you have radioactive implants. If you just receive radiation therapy, such as gamma radiation from Cobalt-60, then you are not radioactive when you leave the facility. If you have implants, however, such as around the prostate gland in certain forms of therapy, you are radioactive, and you need to ask your radiation technologist and doctor what your limits are relative to being around children.Note: Some radiation treatment, particularly neutron bombardment, can cause activation of some of your atoms into a radioactive form. To be safe, talk to your doctor, etc. in any case.Also, bone scans, heart scans, and other types of scans where you are injected with a radioactive tracer, such as Technicium-99M, do make you radioactive for a short while, often just a few days. Again, talk to your doctor.