Octreoscan
Octreoscan
Octreoscan (pronounced: ok-tre-o-scan) is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test that is used to detect certain types of cancer. It involves the use of a radioactive tracer, known as Indium-111 pentetreotide, which binds to somatostatin receptors on the surface of the cancer cells.
Etymology
The term "Octreoscan" is derived from the name of the radioactive tracer used in the test, Indium-111 pentetreotide. The "octreo" part of the name refers to octreotide, a synthetic form of the hormone somatostatin, which is used in the tracer. The "scan" part of the name refers to the imaging process used to detect the tracer in the body.
Procedure
The Octreoscan procedure involves injecting the radioactive tracer into the patient's bloodstream. The tracer then travels through the body and binds to somatostatin receptors on the cancer cells. A special camera is then used to detect the radiation emitted by the tracer and create images of the areas where the tracer has accumulated. This can help doctors to locate and diagnose certain types of cancer, such as neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid tumors.
Related Terms
- Nuclear medicine: A branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of a variety of diseases.
- Indium-111: A radioactive isotope of indium used in nuclear medicine imaging.
- Somatostatin: A hormone that inhibits the release of various other hormones in the body.
- Somatostatin receptors: Proteins found on the surface of certain cells that bind to somatostatin.
- Neuroendocrine tumors: A type of cancer that starts in the hormone-producing cells of the body's neuroendocrine system.
- Carcinoid tumors: A type of neuroendocrine tumor that is often slow-growing and can occur in several places throughout the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Octreoscan
- Wikipedia's article - Octreoscan
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