Purpose: To detect and measure coronary calcium (see coronary artery scan), to detect lung cancer and other abnormalities in the lungs (see lung scan), and to detect cancer and other abnormalities in the abdomen (kidneys, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, abdominal aorta, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, spleen), and pelvis (bladder, prostate, ovaries, and uterus). For whom appropriate: The same individuals for whom coronary artery scans and lung scans are appropriate

Significance:

* Cardiovascular disease and cancer are by far the two largest causes of death in the United States, accounting for almost 3 out of every 4 deaths. The body scan, performed in just a matter of minutes, screens for the presence of both heart disease and many types of cancer, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysm.

* The earlier heart disease is detected, the greater the likelihood it can be slowed, stopped or even reversed. The earlier a cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood it can be successfully treated (radiation, chemotherapy, surgery) before it has spread to other organs.

* Five percent of men over the age of 60 develop abdominal aortic aneurysms, most of which do not result in symptoms. Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a catastrophe, a highly lethal event typically resulting in immediate death.

Caution:

* The Body Scan is performed for screening purposes. It is intended to supplement, and not replace o other screening and diagnostic procedures recommended by a patient's physician or other screening procedures generally considered age and gender appropriate.