Definitions

CT - computed tomography

A special radiographic technique that uses a computer to assimilate multiple X-ray images into a 2 dimensional cross-sectional image. This can reveal many soft tissue structures not shown by conventional radiography. The machine rotates 180° around your body, sending out a pencil-thin X-ray beam at 160 different points. Crystals positioned at the opposite points of the beam pick up and record the absorption rates of the varying thicknesses of tissue and bone. A computer turns the information into a picture on a screen and can reveal your tissues with about 100 times more clarity.

MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A special imaging technique used to image internal structures of your body, particularly the soft tissues. More effective than an x-ray, the MRI uses the influence of a large magnet to polarize hydrogen atoms in the tissues and then monitors the summation of the spinning energies within living cells.

Images are very clear and are particularly good for soft tissue, brain and spinal cord, joints and abdomen. These scans may be used for detecting some cancers or for following their progress.

Biopsy

A biopsy refers to a procedure that involves obtaining a tissue specimen for microscopic analysis to establish a precise diagnosis. Biopsies can be accomplished with a biopsy needle (passed through the skin into the organ in question) or by open surgical incision.

Pleura

The delicate membranes covering the lungs (visceral pleura) and lining the inner side of the pleural cavity (parietal pleura).