Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Hospital in Goa

Nuclear Medicine is a unique functional imaging and therapeutic modality where small amounts of radioactive materials (or tracers) are used to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. Being principally different from conventional imaging like X-ray, Ultrasound or CT scan which provide structural information about the organ system, Nuclear Medicine studies help diagnose diseases based on functional information which helps in early diagnosis and better treatment outcome, the reason being functional changes tend to occur much earlier than structural changes in a disease process. The Nuclear Medicine Department at Manipal Hospitals Goa is the first and only state-of-the-art department of its kind in the entire state of Goa. It is equipped with a Gamma Camera (SPECT-CT) which can perform almost the entire spectrum of Nuclear Medicine procedures.

OUR STORY

Know About Us

Why Manipal?

Nuclear medicine is an extremely specialized branch of medicine that requires expert skills, advanced technology and carefully handled clinical materials. Manipal Hospitals' ensures the safe and effective use of nuclear medicine through its team of highly skilled endo-radiologists and state of the art labs. While nuclear medicine procedures exist well within the safety standards, they are not recommended unless they are necessary and beneficial to the patient.

Treatment & Procedures

Bone Scan

A bone scan is a nuclear imaging test used to help diagnose problems with bones. It safely uses a very small amount of radioactive drug called a radiopharmaceutical. This scan is done in case of unexplained skeletal pain, bone infection, the spread of a tumour to bones or any bone injury that can't be seen on a standard X-ray.

Thyroid Scan is a specialized imaging procedure for examining the thyroid, gland that controls metabolism. During this scan a radioactive iodine or 99mTc tracer is used to examine the structure and function of the thyroid gland.

A small dose of radioactive injection is given IV and initial images are acquired for 30mins. Many patients may require a delayed Images after 2 hours(will be decided by the doctor after seeing the initial scan)

Renal scan- DMSA

Radioiodine or Iodine 131 Therapy is a nuclear medicine treatment for an overactive thyroid, a condition called hyperthyroidism and may also be used to treat thyroid cancer.

Myocardial Infusion Scan Pharmacological…

This test is mainly to look at the blood supply of the heart, both during exercise and rest. In some cases, if the stress part of the scan looks normal, rest scan may not be performed. Can have light breakfast not later than 6.30 am (2 idlys/sandwich). No coffee /tea/chocolates/caffeine-containing substances for 12-24 hours. Should stop medications…

This test is mainly to look at the blood supply of the heart, both during exercise and rest. In some cases, if the stress part of the scan looks normal, rest scan may not be performed.

Our Team:

Manipal Hospitals, Goa is the one and only Nuclear Medicine facility in the entire state of Goa and has one of the best team and facilities to perform various Nuclear Medicine procedures. Multimodality Cancer Care comprising of specialists from various fields has been pioneered at the hospital which leads to the best possible Cancer Management for patients.

Facilities & Services

Department is equipped with state-of-the-art GE Hawkeye dual-head SPECT-CT and following procedures are available at the department. Tc99m Thyroid Scan Tc99m MDP Bone Scan Tc99m DTPA Renal Scan Tc99m EC/MAG-3 Renal Scan Tc99m DMSA Renal Cortical Scan Myocardial Perfusion Scan (Stress/Pharmacological) Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Study Meckel’s Scan Hepatobiliary Scan (HIDA) Parathyroid Scan Direct Radionuclide Cystography Whole Body Iodine-131 scan for Thyroid carcinoma Lung Perfusion Scan Lymphoscintigraphy Gastro-Intestinal Bleed Scan Iodine-131 MIBG Scan We are also equipped to perform therapeutic interventions like Iodine-131 treatment for Thyrotoxicosis, low dose remnant ablation for Thyroid cancer patients and soon to start with high dose Iodine-131 therapies, Bone Pain palliation therapies etc.

FAQ's

What happens during a PET scan?

An onco-oradiologist at cancer diagnostic and imaging center in Goa will intravenously inject a radiopharmaceutical into the bloodstream. This is also known as a contrast material. Once the material has been fully injected, the oncoradiologist will be able to use external gamma cameras to produce diagnostic imaging.

Is nuclear medicine dangerous?

Nuclear medicine has been standardized to pose as little risk to patients as possible. However, there is always a component of risk when it comes to radiation, which is why nuclear medical professionals always follow the principle of ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable)

What are the side effects of nuclear imaging scans?

In most cases, there is little to no effect on the patient as the exposure levels are maintained well within the safe limit. If any side effects are expected, your endoradiologist will be able to inform you beforehand. To know more visit the cancer diagnostic center in Goa.

Are nuclear imaging scans necessary?

They are normally recommended or prescribed only when there is a lack of alternatives. Advanced imaging techniques may sometimes be the only way to achieve an accurate diagnosis. To get the imaging scans accurate, visit the best imaging center in Goa.

Should you visit a doctor even if you think you are healthy?

Regular health checkups are an important part of maintaining good health. Routine checkups can help detect any medical issues in their early stages when they are easier to treat.

Manipal Hospitals is committed to the provision of the best possible care to all its patients and to build long term relationships that foster a stronger and healthier community. The patients served by our nuclear medicine department is a testament to this.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Hospital in Goa