Cancer is a life threatening condition that is challenging to both diagnose and treat. There are millions of people who are combating cancer on this day. The best way to treat cancer is early diagnosis and accurate treatment
In recent times, technology has evolved drastically and PET-CT scan has become a revolutionary diagnostic tool for cancers. Let’s explore more about positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) for cancer and how it helps in diagnosis and treatment.
What is a PET-CT scan?
PET-CT is an advanced imaging technique that fuses two powerful techniques called positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). PET uses a small amount of radioactive material, known as the radiotracer, which is injected into the patient’s body. This radiotracer emits positrons, and when these collide with electrons, they produce gamma rays. The PET scanner detects these gamma rays, mapping areas with higher metabolic activity, which is often indicative of disease, such as cancer.
At the same time, the CT component of the scans uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s anatomy. The fusion of these PET and CT images provides a comprehensive and clear view of the both functional and structural aspects, enabling an accurate diagnosis and location of the abnormalities. If you have been recommended a PET-CT scan, reach out to the Best PET-CT Scan Centre in Coimbatore, as the skilled experts ensure you get detailed results and accurate diagnosis.
How is a PET-CT scan different from a normal CT scan?
A CT scan produces clear and multiple images of the organs and tissues in the body. A PET scan shows different abnormalities in the body as it is sensitive when compared to other scans. Although cancer specialists use PET-CT scan in cancer diagnosis as it can help in detailed study and it helps in,
- The right place for biopsy
- Check for any new cancer after a previous cancer treatment
- Observing the effect of cancer treatment
- Cancer treatment plan
In case you underwent a cancer treatment, a CT scan may be performed to see for any new cancer, although damaged cancer scars may show up in the test and a PET-CT scan confirms if it’s an active cancer.
What is the role of PET-CT scan in cancer diagnosis?
Spotting of primary tumors:
PET-CT scans play a major role in identifying primary tumors, especially when the location of the cancer is challenging to detect with other imaging techniques.
Staging of a metastasized cancer:
When the cancer is in the advanced stages, the cancer cells may spread to other different organs or lymph nodes of the body. PET-CT scans help detect such cancers and understand their stage of metastasis, helping in treatment recommendations.
Understanding efficiency of treatment:
PET-CT scans are a great tool in identifying cancers and also metastasized cancers. PET-CT scans also play a major role in understanding if the recommended cancer treatment is effective in shrinking the cells and making any progress. Knowing the PET-CT scans instructions before can help you understand the process to make an informed decision.
Identifying the chances cancer recurrence:
After the cancer treatment, PET-CT scans is performed to confirm the chances of cancer recurrence helping in timely treatment.
What are the different types of cancers that a PET-CT scan can detect?
Breast cancer:
PET-CT scans are an effective way to diagnose and treat breast cancers. They help detect the level of primary tumors, examine the effect on lymph nodes, if any metastasis has happened.
Lung cancer:
Lung cancer is challenging to detect due to its aggressive nature and has high potential to metastase. PET-CT scans help in detecting lung cancer accurately and also metastasis if any.
Along with these, PET-CT scans are highly efficient in detecting colorectal cancers, lymphoma, and several other cancers.
How does a PET-CT scan work?
As mentioned before, PET-CT scan is nuclear medicine imaging, and it uses a small amount of radioactive material, named radiotracers, usually given through IV.
When compared to the imaging techniques, PET-CT scans work on the molecular activity and body processes that happen in the body. As this eases the process of identifying the cancers much efficiently.
Abnormal or damaged cells tend to absorb higher amounts of radioactive material than the healthier cells. They show up as hot spots in the PET-CT scan. And it produces several images of the affected area. PET-CT Scan for Cancer Screening in Coimbatore, offers advanced procedures to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis and ensure you receive timely treatment for cancer.
What are the advantages of a PET-CT scan in cancer diagnosis?
Early diagnosis and timely treatment:
PET-CT scans are efficient in early cancer detection, allowing for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes. By pinpointing the cancer, it can help locate the cancer, size, and metastasis.
Complete assessment:
The combination of PET and CT scans provide a complete assessment of both anatomical structures and metabolic activity. They both help in detecting the accuracy of detecting cancers and help in understanding further impact on surrounding tissues.
Personalized treatment planning:
Accurate staging and understanding characteristics of the cancer cells can help the determining the treatment option that helps shrink the cancer cells effectively.
How does it take to complete a PET-CT scan?
The entire process of a whole body scan takes about 2 hours. As the radioactive material may take about 60 minutes to get absorbed into the body. And the scan procedure may take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
Is PET-CT scan safe?
Majority of the individuals believe that using radioactive material in the scan can be harmful. But PET-CT scans are quite safe and the radioactive material does not impact the body in a harmful way. Although if you have any concerns talk to a radiologist in Coimbatore to clear your concerns and ensure you have a smooth procedure.
Important Takeaway:
From early detection to precise staging and monitoring treatment response, PET-CT scans have become indispensable tools in the fight against cancer. As technology continues to evolve, the future of PET-CT scans holds even greater promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient outcomes in the challenging battle against cancer.