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Tests could include:
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Blood Total Catecholamines Test
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Homovanillic acid measurement
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24 Hour Urine Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Output Test
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HVA measurement, urine
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Signs vary depending on the location of the tumor. Examination of the abdomen with the hands (palpation) may find a mass.
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A diagnosis of neuroblastoma usually requires blood and urine tests to investigate the nature and quantity of chemicals(neurotransmitters) released by the nerve cells. These are broken down by the body and released in urine.
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A diagnosis of neuroblastoma usually requires blood and urine tests to investigate the nature and quantity of chemicals(neurotransmitters) released by the nerve cells. These are broken down by the body and released in urine.
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient''s body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.
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A magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scan of the head is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the brain and surrounding nerve tissues.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic( CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and...
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Like all other parts of the body, the brain and central nervous system are made up of cells that ordinarily grow and divide to create new cells as needed. This is usually an orderly process; but when cells lose their ability to grow normally or to...
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Controls mental and physical actions of the organism.The brain, with the spinal cord and network of nerves, controls information flow throughout the body, voluntary actions, such as walking, reading, and talking, and involuntary reactions, such as...
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Congenital brain defects are a group of disorders of brain development that are present at birth.Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout the growth of a fetus. A complex genetic program coordinates the formation,...
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Brain abscess is a bacterial infection within the brain.The brain is usually well insulated from infection by bacteria, protected by the skull, the meninges(tissue layers surrounding the brain), the immune system, and the highly regulated barrier ...
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A brain biopsy is the removal of a small piece of brain tissue for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the brain, such as Alzheimer''s disease, tumors, infection, or inflammation.By examining the tissue sample under a microscope, the biopsy sample pr...
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Unlike other tumors, brain tumors spread by local extension and rarely metastasize(spread) outside the brain.
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Congenital brain defects are a group of disorders of brain development.Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout the growth of a fetus. A complex genetic program coordinates the formation, growth, and migration of ...
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The brain is the part of the central nervous system located in the skull. It controls the mental processes and physical actions of a human being.The brain, along with the spinal cord and network of nerves, controls information flow throughout the ...
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The brain is a large mass of soft nervous tissue made up of both neurons and supporting glial cells lying within the cranium of the skull. The brain contains both gray and white matter.
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Traumatic brain injury(TBI) is the result of physical trauma to the head causing damage to the brain. This damage can be focal, or restricted to a single area of the brain, or diffuse, affecting more than one region of the brain.
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The brain is the part of the central nervous system(CNS) inside the skull(the part outside the skull is the spinal cord). It gives rise to cognitive thought processes and controls various body functions including muscular activity, speech, sight, ...
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A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue, either malignant(cancerous) or benign(noncancerous), in the brain. Each year, more than 17,000 brain tumors are diagnosed in the United States.A benign brain tumor is composed of slow-growing noncance...
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A computed tomography(CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body.CAT scan; Computed axial tomography scan; Computed tomography scan.You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the ...
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Computed tomography (CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lungs), and bones.
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Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on CT scan, including how the CT scan is performed and what happens after the procedure
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scan, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions
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Computed tomography(also known as CT, CT scan, CAT, or computerized axial tomography) scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures.With the development of modern computers, the scans enhanced digital capabili...
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Computed tomography(CT) scanning is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides physicians with views of internal body structures. During a CT scan, multiple x rays are passed through the body, producing cross-sectional images, or"slices," on a catho...
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Computed tomography(CT), formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography(CAT), is a common diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x rays to generate images(slices) of the anatomy.Computed tomography(CT) is an x-ray imaging procedure used for...
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Computed tomography(CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.CT scans are used to image a wide variety of body structu...
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Computed tomography scanning, also called CT scan, CAT scan, or computerized axial tomography, is a diagnostic tool that provides views of internal body structures using x rays. In the field of mental health, a CT scan may be used when a patient s...
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What is the difference between a pelvic CT scan and an abdominal CT scan?
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Is there an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium in a CT scan?
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Catecholamines are small molecules made by nerve tissue(including the brain) and the adrenal gland.The major catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These substances break down into other compounds, which leave your body thro...
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Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs can also be looked at with ultras...
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Abdominal ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce two-dimensional images of the body''s soft tissues, which are used for a variety of clinical applications, including diagnosis and guidance of treatment procedures. Ultrasound does not...
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Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your abdominal organs. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or liver disease.
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Abdominal ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce two-dimensional images of the body''s soft tissues, which are used for a variety of clinical applications, including diagnosis and guidance of treatment procedures. Ultrasound does not...
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This technique is used extensively to investigate valve defects, arteriosclerosis and hypertension, particularly in the heart, but also in the abdominal aorta and the portal vein of the liver. These machines cost about$250,000.The actual procedure...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic( CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet.
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Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a "perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure
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New MRI machines and new techniques result in images that show prostate cancer in much greater detail, allowing biopsies to be targeted more precisely, and thus cancer staging can be more accurate as well.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the safety of MRIs for those who have stents.
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When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?
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Studies have found that MRI tests used in addition to mammography detected more cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer. Women at average risk would not necessarily benefit from the additional testing.
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How safe is it for a baby who is 6 months old to have an MRI?
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
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Persons with pacemakers cannot get an MRI because it conflicts with the pacemaker's function. Future pacemakers will likely be made MRI-safe, but this will probably take at least several more years.
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Is a regular MRI more accurate then an open MRI?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest diagnostic medical imaging technologies that uses strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to generate a visible image. In the field of ...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body''s interior using MRI.
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In some cases, chemical agents such as gadolinium can be injected to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue.A single MRI exposure produces a two-dimensional image of a slice through the entire target area. A series of these image...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery, using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate images of the anatomy.MRI is used to visualize the body to assist doctors in their efforts to diagnose certain di...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery using MRI.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed
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People with certain kinds of pacemakers or ICDs can safely undergo an MRI, as long as a series of safety precautions is carefully followed.
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Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound ...
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Ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that involves directing high frequency sound waves at tissues in the body to generate images of anatomical structures. Ultrasonography is also called sonography, diagnostic sonography, and echocardiography...
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Detailed information on ultrasonograpy, also called sonography including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on ultrasound and the potential risks and benefits An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound
waves to create an image of the internal organs. A screening ultrasound is sometimes done during the course of a pregnancy to monitor normal fetal growth and verify the due date. Ultrasounds may be performed at various times throughout pregnancy for different reasons:
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A thyroid ultrasound, or sonogram, is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is an endocrine gland, which means that it releases its secretions directly into the bloodstream or lymph.
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My Ob/Gyn said they found fluid in the baby's kidneys during my 20-week ultrasound, so I have to have a level 2 ultrasound done. What does this mean?
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Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique using high frequency sound to create images of specific areas of the body to diagnose various pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer performs examinations, records anatomic cond...
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Since diagnostic sonography utilizes a nonionizing form of energy, there are no known bioeffects. Thus, diagnostic sonography is applied to a large spectrum of clinical disorders, including obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal, urologic, pediatri...
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Ultrasonography is the study of internal organs or blood vessels using high-frequency sound waves. The actual test is called an ultrasound scan or sonogram.
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A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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A biopsy describes the procedure that is used to obtain a very small piece of the target tissue. For some tissues, like the lining of the cheek, cells can be obtained just by scrapping the tissue surface.
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Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
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Biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a piece of tissue and/or cells are removed to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.Biopsies are performed to determine the presence of cancer cells, establish tumor grading, and provide more inf...
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Detailed information on several of the different divisions of anatomical pathology, including biopsy, surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy
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A biopsy is a small sample of tissue or fluid taken from the body. This sample can then be studied in a laboratory. Image-guided biopsy allows a sample to be taken from an abnormal mass without the need for surgery. This procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.
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What type of biopsy will I have? Why do I need a biopsy? How long will it take?
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Detailed information on biopsy and the biopsy report For many health problems, a diagnosis is made by removing a sample of tissue for study in the pathology laboratory. The biopsy report describes the findings of a specimen.
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Most biopsies involve taking a small piece of skin or muscle under a local anesthetic. When the cells to be analyzed are accessible by needle, the biopsy specimen may be removed with a hollow aspiration needle, which is used to suck out the sample...
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A complete blood count(CBC) test measures the following:.The number of red blood cells(RBCs) The number of white blood cells(WBCs) The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells( hematocrit) The s...
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One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count(CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells(red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood(pla...
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A complete blood count(CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell(RBC) count, white blood cell(WBC) count, and platelet count...
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The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood(red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the"complete blood count"(CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic(low red c...
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A complete blood count(CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell(RBC) count, white blood cell(WBC) count, and platelet count...
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