Panoramic X ray
The Panoramic x-ray or Panorex as it was initially called is considered the 'work horse' of dentistry. The Panorex is a large single x ray film that shows the entire bony structure of the teeth and the face. It covers a much wider area than a traditional intra oral film showing structures outside of their range including sinuses, temperomandibular joints as well as the position of the wisdom teeth. The panoramic x ray has the ability to scan the region of oral pharynx and surrounding tissues thereby increasing the dentist's diagnostic capabilities. The uninterrupted panoramic film is the most commonly used for obtaining clearly portrayed image of orofacial structures in dentistry. Other dental xrays include:
Bitewing x ray uses the least amount of radiation. It shows the upper and lower back teeth in a single view. They are used to detect decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. Bitewing also indicates bone loss and the presence of severe gum disease or dental infection.
Periapical x rays show the entire supportive system of the tooth from the exposed crown to the end of the root and bones. They are used to detect dental problems below the gum line or the jaw. They also help to detect impacted teeth.
Panoramic x rays belong to the broad category of x rays called tomographs. The amount of radiation needed to expose a panoramic film is about the same as the radiation needed to expose two intra oral films. It is advised to use lead apron during panoramic x ray. In panoramic x ray, the x ray source passes around the patient and behind their head at a slight upward angle. Use of a lead apron helps in optimal prevention of the patient's body from scatter radiation of the panoramic x ray beam. Special panoramic lead aprons are available that cover both the back and front of the patient without interfering with the path of the X ray beam.
Cysts, tumors, bone irregularities are also revealed in panoramic x ray.
Impacted teeth that may be buried deep inside the jaw bone are shown in panoramic x ray.
Panoramic x ray is usually taken when the wisdom teeth (third molars) are being evaluated.
Panoramic x ray is used in dental implant surgery as it clearly reveals the possible complications in mandibular nerves.
Panoramic x ray can also identify some not so common problems such as calcification within the carotid artery that may be indicative of a potential stroke.
Panoramic films are especially good for forensic purposes in the identification of otherwise unrecognizable bodies after plane crashes or mishaps.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. This type of cancer grows very slowly. High levels of animal fat in the diet may have a role to play in the occurence of prostate cancer. It can also have a genetic factor. High levels of testosterone and certain chemical exposures may be responsible for prostate cancer. If detected early, prostate cancer can be successfully treated.
The prostrate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is located underneath the urinary bladder in men. It secretes some of seminal fluid. Male hormones that stimulate the prostate cause the prostate to grow till a boy reaches adulthood. Then it maintains it's normal size. But if the size of the prostate grows beyond it's normal size, it lays pressure on the urethra and affects the flow of urine. Often prostate cancer does not surface as noticeable symptoms or pain. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty in starting urination and need for frequent urination. Men suffering from enlarged prostate may feel pain or burning during urination and ejaculation. Blood may be noticed in the urine or semen. There may be dull pain in the lower pelvic region and intermittent urine flow.
A digital rectal examination can help in detecting prostate cancer. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is tested in a blood sample. This test allows a physician to detect the incidence of prostate cancer at an early staga. Men over 50 years must get a PSA test done yearly. Radiation therapy is used to treat prostate cancer. Radiation destroys cancerous cells and it is used with computer-imaging software so that the exact location of the prostate is attacked. In this way, damage to surrounding healthy tissue can be avoided. Hormone therapy is used along with radiation to combat prostate cancer. Drugs such as leuprolide and goserelin are effective in blocking testicles from receiving messages to produce testosterone. This type of treatment is used to shrink large tumors. Chemotherapy is effective in treating hormone-resistant prostate cancer. Surgical removal of the prostate gland is sometimes resorted to.
Dexa scan
A DEXA scan or Dual Energy X-ray Absortiometry scan is a diagnostic tool that measures bone mineral density. This type of scan is usually prescribed for those at increased risk of osteoporosis. p-DEXA or peripheral DEXA is used to measure bones on the periphery of a person such as wrist, fingers and heels. Central DEXA is used to measure bones in the spine and hip. This type of DEXA scan can accurately measure low bone density and is the preferred test for diagnosing osteoporosis. An imager passes over your body, emits radiation from two different sources in alternation. The DEXA scan differs from the regular bone scan in that the use of 2 different x-ray energy sources provides precision and accuracy. Besides it is able to detect loss of bone density much ealier than when it can surface on a regular x-ray. A detector measures the amount of radiation that comes through the bone being examined. This throws light on its density. A Dexa scan usually takes about 20 minutes and involves small amount of radiation.
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