Modalities Of In Vivo Imaging For Cancer Evaluation
In vivo imaging for cancer evaluation allows the disease to be diagnosed and monitored within its physiological environment. Many medical disciplines, including immunology, pharmacology, chemistry, and molecular and cell biology, have worked together to create the latest imaging technologies. CT scans, MRIs, optical scans, PET scans, SPECT scans, and ultrasound, are all modalities for in vivo imaging.
CT scans are generated by a series of X-rays. Different x-ray views of tissues are taken from many different angles, producing cross-sectional images, which doctors then evaluate. CT scans aid in the diagnosis of muscle and bone disorders, detect internal injuries and internal bleeding, and find tumors, infections, and blood clots. CT scans may also guide surgeries, biopsies, and radiation therapy, as well as monitoring and detecting both cancer and heart disease.
Another diagnostic tool is the MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed pictures of organs and tissues, by using a magnetic field to align water molecules in the body. Then, the machine directs radio waves at the molecules, which cause particles to give off signals. The signals are translated into cross-sectional images, most frequently of the brain and spinal cord. MRI also detects abnormalities of the breasts, bones and joints, and internal organs.
Light is used to create the optical scan. An external source of light directs photons at the body, which, after being either absorbed or scattered, are picked up with a photon detector. Technicians often use fluorescent dyes to distinguish proteins, antibodies, genes, and other small molecules. Probes, which remain in the body for some time, are sometimes added to the medium before the application of photons.
Doctors use PET scans to uncover metabolic changes at the cellular level. PET, which stands for position emission tomography, utilizes small dosages of a radioactive compound. After either swallowing, inhaling, or injection, the compound travels to the organs and tissues. The photoacoustic machine converts the radiant energy from the compound into a 3D image. Diseased cells with increased rates of chemical reaction tend to aggregate the most tracers, and these spots show up as bright areas on the image.
Another scan is the single-photon emission computerized tomography, or SPECT scan. Like the PET scan, SPECT scans utilize radioactive compounds and a camera to create three-dimensional images. SPECT scans have a particular use for bone cancers, which are not always easy to track with other methods. SPECT scans also show the workings of internal organs, like the heart and the brain.
Ultrasound guides biopsy and tumor treatment. Using high-frequency sound waves, to produce images of body structures, ultrasound detects abnormalities in many organs, particularly the prostate. Additional applications outside of cancer include the study of blood flow and the heart, and the evaluation of fetal development.
Molecular images have many applications, including imaging in vivo for evaluation of cancer. Cancers are among the top ten causes of death throughout the world, and proper diagnosis, and treatment, will either cure the disease, or extend quality of life. Following cancers at all stages enables doctors to introduce the right courses of therapy, as well as to make treatment as non-invasive as possible.
The top in vivo imaging company provides modalities designed for preclinical research in cancer metastasis. These cutting-edge technologies include the biomaker, high-resolution imaging, photoacoustic digital imaging, and the rat heart.