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Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Liver and Biliary Tract
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Liver and Biliary Tract (CT Scan of the Liver, Biliary Tract, Pancreas, Spleen, and Gallbladder) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the liver and biliary tract? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of...
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Pancreas
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Pancreas (Pancreas CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the pancreas? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed...
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP, ERCP of the Biliary and Pancreatic Ducts) Procedure Overview What is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography? Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray and the use of an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube. The scope is guided through the patient's mouth and thro...
Liver Biopsy
Liver Biopsy (Biopsy-Liver, Percutaneous Liver Biopsy) Procedure Overview What is a liver biopsy? A liver biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples from the liver are removed for examination under a microscope to look for signs of damage or disease. It is used to diagnose many liver conditions. During a liver biopsy, tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present, or to determine how well the liver is working. There are three types of live...
Liver Scan
Liver Scan (Liver-Spleen Scan, Liver Scintigraphy) Procedure Overview What is a liver scan? A liver scan is a specialized radiology procedure used to examine the liver to identify certain conditions or to assess the function of the liver. A liver scan may also be used to follow the progress of treatment of certain conditions. This procedure may also be referred to as a liver-spleen scan because the spleen often is examined as well due to its proximity and close functional relationship to the liver. A li...
Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal Ultrasound (Abdominal Ultrasonography, Abdominal Sonography, Abdominal Echography) Procedure Overview An abdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta. Ultrasound technology allows quick visualization of the abdominal organs and structures from outside the body. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to abdominal or...
Abdominal X-rays
Abdominal X-rays (Flat Plate of the Abdomen, Abdominal Radiography, KUB [Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder] X-ray) Procedure Overview X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissu...
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be 42,470 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2009, and 35,420 deaths are expected. Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells grow out of control. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, include: age - most pancreatic cancer occurs in people over the ag...
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer What is esophageal cancer? Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The esophagus, located just behind the trachea, is about 10 to 13 inches in length and allows food to enter the stomach for digestion. The wall of the esophagus is made up of several layers and cancers generally start from the inner layer and grow out. The American Cancer Society estimates that 16,470 Americans will be newly diagnosed with es...
Stomach Cancer
Stomach Cancer What is stomach cancer? Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer that starts in any part of the stomach. The stomach is just one of many organs located in the abdomen, the area of the body between the chest and the pelvis. Among other organs found in the abdomen are the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colon. It is important to differentiate among these organs, because cancers and other diseases that affect them present different symptoms and are treated differently. The A...