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Bruce J. Barron

Nuclear Medicine Specialist

Dr. Bruce J. Barron is a top Nuclear Medicine Specialist in Dunwoody, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Dunwoody, Georgia, Dr. Bruce J. Barron is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Bruce J. Barron
  • Dunwoody, Georgia
  • University of South Florida College of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Could you describe step-by-step what I should physically expect to happen during the actual imaging procedure?

An IV will be started. You may be asked to drink some contrast material. You will be placed into the bore of a CT scanner. You should be comfortable. They will take on set of scans READ MORE
An IV will be started. You may be asked to drink some contrast material. You will be placed into the bore of a CT scanner. You should be comfortable. They will take on set of scans and then infuse the intravenous contrast You may fell a burning sensation and have a metallic taste in your mouth. They will then take other sets of images during infusion and after infusion. Good luck. Don't worry.

Are there any specific preparations I need to undertake before the scan?

It depends on the nature of the CT scan. For brain and lung CT scans there is no preparation. For abdominal and pelvic there is a 4-6 hour fasting requirement. The CT scheduler READ MORE
It depends on the nature of the CT scan. For brain and lung CT scans there is no preparation. For abdominal and pelvic there is a 4-6 hour fasting requirement. The CT scheduler should tell you if there is any preparation needed.

Can I eat after CT dye?

Yes providing you have no other studies.

Is an abdominal MRI scan painful?

No, it does not cause pain

What is the success rate of radiation therapy?

There is no one answer. Successis determined by the radiosensitivity of the tumor, genetics, location and tumor type. I suggest looking up your specific tumor. You can also get READ MORE
There is no one answer. Successis determined by the radiosensitivity of the tumor, genetics, location and tumor type. I suggest looking up your specific tumor. You can also get help from the Woodruff Health Science Library and use the PubMed search engine. Good luck.

How long does it take for lung cancer to shrink after radiation treatment?

If the tumor is radiation sensitive, it may take 3-6 months to see a significant decrease in size.

What are the negative effects of radioactive iodine treatment?

Loss of taste which may be permanent, increased incidence of dental cavities, unknown effects of radiation. There is a general belief that there is no significant increased risk READ MORE
Loss of taste which may be permanent, increased incidence of dental cavities, unknown effects of radiation. There is a general belief that there is no significant increased risk of head and neck cancer. Radioactive iodine can cause temporary disruptions in egg (ova) function and chromosome damage repairs within 1 year after high doses. The effect on sperm can be permanent. Sperm banking for those males who want to have children is recommended.

Should you get a dye for a lung CT scan?

Yes. Contrast is needed to look for vascular defects.

Can CT scan dye cause pain during urination?

It has been reported. Drink a lot of fluids.

How long after radiotherapy can I eat?

After radiotherapy there is generally no prohibition. If you received radioactive iodine, there is a one hour wait.

When can I eat after the CT scan with dye?

Immediately if you are up to it.

How long will a CT scan of the liver take?

Generally 20 minutes. Occasionally, delayed imaging may be required.

What happens to the thyroid after radioactive iodine?

When radioactive I-131 is given to a patient, a majority winds up in the thyroid. For cancer patients, the thyroid is stimulated first. The radiopharmaceutical is a beta emitter READ MORE
When radioactive I-131 is given to a patient, a majority winds up in the thyroid. For cancer patients, the thyroid is stimulated first. The radiopharmaceutical is a beta emitter which will destroy tissue within the vicinity of the emission. The gland then becomes fibrosed and function is diminished. For cancer patients, the goal is to destroy the whole gland.

Is venogram painful?

Radionuclide venograms are only slightly painful during injection. Contrast venograms may be a little more uncomfortable.

Tablets given before cat scan?

I believe it is N-acetylcysteine. This has been recently introduced to prevent ill-effect from the dye on the kidneys.

Is contrast dye safe?

It is safe unless one has a severe allergy to Iodine or fish. Many contrast agents are iodine based. Patients can be premedicated to prevent adverse reactions.

What are the side effects of a CT scan with contrast dye?

Immediately after injection, one might feel flushing and warmth. In a patient with normal renal function, that should be it unless there is a contrast allergy. (Iodine). In patients READ MORE
Immediately after injection, one might feel flushing and warmth. In a patient with normal renal function, that should be it unless there is a contrast allergy. (Iodine). In patients with diminished renal function, function may worsen. In a normal person - no after-effects from contrast.

Do you need contrast for kidney stones CT scan?

Some stones will show up without contrast. However contrast is advised as the scan also looks at the ureters and bladder.

What precautions do I take after radioactive iodine treatment?

Depending on whether it was for cancer or hyperthyroidism. 1. Separate bathroom for 3-5 days 2. Sleep alone 3-5 days 3. Separate eating utensils 4. READ MORE
Depending on whether it was for cancer or hyperthyroidism.


1. Separate bathroom for 3-5 days

2. Sleep alone 3-5 days

3. Separate eating utensils

4. Change sheets at the end of 5 days

5. Do not get close to children or pregnant women during period of isolation

6. Do not meet in groups or in close quarters to others

7. Throw away tissues immediately after use

These are the most common restrictions.

What are the side effects of radiation treatment for thyroid cancer?

There are short-term and long-term side-effects: -Short-term: Neck pain, dry mouth, nausea -Long-term: Bone marrow suppression, dry mouth, dental caries; potential for lung READ MORE
There are short-term and long-term side-effects:

-Short-term: Neck pain, dry mouth, nausea
-Long-term: Bone marrow suppression, dry mouth, dental caries; potential for lung inflammation if there are tumors in the lungs. Due to the thyroid surgery, there is a lifelong need for thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Females should wait one year before attempting to get pregnant. Males wishing to father children should bank sperm. There is a 5-8 day isolation period to prevent family members from getting exposed.