Nuclear Medicine

Types of Nuclear Medicine Scans

Nuclear medicine studies include bone scans, thyroid scans, liver-spleen scans, kidney (renal) scans and PET scans.

Thyroid Scan
This test evaluates the function of the gland in addition to evaluating a nodule felt by the patient's doctor. It can also be used to evaluate a patient who has a history of thyroid cancer.
Bone Scan
For patients with a known cancer, bone scans are used to look for cancer which has spread to the bones. This test is also helpful to look for a cause of bone pain, such as infection in the bone (osteomyelitis), fracture or arthritis.
Kidney (Renal) Scan
A renal scan is used to test how well the kidneys are working. It can be used to look for scarring of the kidneys.
PET Scan
A PET scan gives an overview of metabolic activity in the body. It is used in the diagnosis and staging of cancers.

For more information about nuclear medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, call 401-444-5281 or e-mail GOReilly@lifespan.org.