Bone Density Scans in Alamogordo – Pet vs Ct
Bone density tests are commonly used to measure the amount of calcium in the bones, but they can also be used to detect certain diseases like cancer and osteoporosis. Because there are different types of bone density scans, it’s important to understand your test options and the differences between them so you can make an informed decision about your health care options. Bone Density Scans in Alamogordo – Pet vs Ct
What is a Bone Density Scan?
The most important part of a bone density scan is determining if there is any decrease in bone density. The two major types of bone density scans are called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Both can be used to assess your bones, but they do it differently. A DEXA scan takes an x-ray of your whole body. SPECT only takes images of your bones. To start, you’ll lie down on a table while an imaging machine rotates around you.
What Is a PET Scan?
PET stands for positron emission tomography. A type of imaging technology used by physicians to pinpoint disease states in body tissues. It’s an alternative to CT, which stands for computed tomography and is often used in conjunction with PET scans to complete what is known as PET/CT scanning. Although both tests provide valuable information, they work differently: A PET scan provides physiologic information about a patient’s body and its functional processes. While a CT scan provides anatomic information about a patient’s body.
What Is a CT Scan?
CT, or computed tomography, scans are a noninvasive procedure that doctors use to examine body tissues and organs. In addition to providing anatomic information about bones and tissues, CT scans can detect lesions or other anomalies. Many physicians refer to CT scans as bone density scan imaging center alamogordo. For example, if you suffer from osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe a routine bone density scan alamogordo once a year.
What Does One Osteoporosis Specialist Think?
There are certainly benefits to both PET and CT scans, but for diagnosing and assessing osteoporosis. I find that a bone density scan is superior. It’s not as expensive as either of these other technologies and it allows us to see much more clearly what stage someone is at before they progress to more advanced stages of osteoporosis. To sum up: if you need a bone density scan done. I strongly recommend heading to one of our PET/CT imaging centers located throughout New Mexico (Alamogordo being one of them) or even traveling all over Albuquerque and Los Alamos, NM. Not only are these other locations less costly than those outside NM (and sometimes those within). But they provide high-quality imaging with timely service.
How Do These Imaging Options Help My Physician Make an Assessment?
A bone density scan can reveal a lot about your overall health. It looks at fat, muscle and mineral content and your medical provider can use that information to make a better assessment of your health. For example, they might be able to determine if you have osteoporosis or if you are at risk for developing that condition because of family history. In addition, scans can indicate whether there is inflammation in any area of your body and help identify fractures or broken bones. A bone density scan will also provide critical information about what stage osteopenia (where bone loss has occurred but not yet developed into full-blown osteoporosis) you’re in.
What Are the Alternatives to PET and CT Scans?
The most common alternative to PET and CT scans is a bone density scan. Bone density scanning, or DEXA, helps physicians determine a patient’s bone mineral density by measuring their amount of radioactive materials being absorbed. The information gathered from these scans is critical for determining whether or not a patient has osteoporosis. Which is a debilitating disease characterized by weak bones. If you have any questions about what kind of scan would be best for your needs. And how to locate an imaging center in Alamogordo that offers bone density scans, please contact us today!
Should I Consider Having Both an MRI and a Bone Density Scan?
Sometimes, a doctor may recommend you have both an MRI and a bone density scan. It is important to understand why they want you to have these tests. As well as whether or not it’s necessary for you to have both of them. To determine if having an MRI and a bone density scan are necessary. Your doctor will conduct an extensive examination of your body. This can include looking at X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound studies and more. Your doctor will take into account your family history when determining which test should be administer.
