Tomography is a medical imaging technique used to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body It uses imaging technology, like X-rays and ultrasound, to create virtual slices or sections of the body to see internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and other structures without a physical incision. This type of imaging is used to help diagnose and treat conditions and diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
The five best examples of tomography are computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, nuclear medicine imaging (NMI) scans, and ultrasound scans.
A CT scan is a type of tomography that creates images of the body by combining multiple X-ray images taken from different angles. It can image the body in less than a second and is commonly used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, and other medical conditions.
A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging scan that uses a radiotracer to create detailed images of the body. It typically involves the use of a radioactive sugar molecule that helps to highlight the activity of certain organs and tissues. PET scans are commonly used to diagnose cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses.
An MRI scan is a type of tomography that uses a combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. It's used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases, including strokes, tumors, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging (NMI) scans are a type of tomography that uses radioactive materials to create images of the body. This type of imaging is often used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Finally, ultrasound scans are a type of tomography that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body. It is used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions, including pregnancy, abdominal pain, and heart disease.