A PET-CT scan is used to visualise the activity of body organs and tissues. During the procedure, a radioactive material is introduced known as a tracer. PET-CT scans are mostly used to diagnose cancer and know about its stage.
A positron emission tomography scan is known as PET scan. PET scan is a revolutionary diagnostic scan that may help in the diagnosis of various conditions such as cancer. PET scan can be done as a hybrid technique combining it with a CT scan.
PET CT scan is a great diagnostic tool to help diagnose cancer also, it can sufficiently tell about the stage of the cancer as well. Stage of cancer is a way to describe the spread of the cancer and its location. Knowing the stage of the cancer can help the doctor to choose the best treatment. It can also help your doctor predict the possible recovery.
How Does The PET-CT Scan Work?
Before your scan, you will be given an injection which contains small amounts of radioactive sugar called fluorodeoxyglucose-18. This substance is injected into the vein. This substance is also called FGD-18, radioactive glucose, or a tracer. Areas of the body organ that use more energy picks more sugar. Cancer cells tend to use more energy than healthy cells. The PET scan shows where the radioactive tracer is in your body.
The CT scan takes pictures of your body from different angles. You might get a shot of dye before the X Ray. This helps some of the details show up better. A computer is then used to combine the PET and CT images. The final PET-CT scan report comes as a 3D result that shows anything abnormal, including tumours.
How is the Hybrid Technique Useful?
A PET-CT scan is a hybrid imaging technique that combines the benefits of both the PET scan and the Ct scan. A CT scan produced a detailed picture of the inside of the body such as organs and tissues. A PET scan can find abnormal activity and it can be more sensitive than other imaging techniques and imaging tests. It may also show changes to your body at an early stage as compared to other imaging techniques such as MRI, CT etc….
What a PET-CT Scan Can Detect?
PET-CT scans are used for diagnosing various diseases and disorders and its status such as-
Cancer
- Diagnosing cancer.
- Decide which is the best treatment for your cancer.
- Check whether your cancer has come back.
- Find out how big a cancer is and whether it has spread ( knowing stage of the cancer).
- Decide whether you can have surgery to remove your cancer.
- Plan radiotherapy treatment.
PET scans must be interpreted carefully because noncancerous conditions can look like cancer. Also some cancers do not appear on PET scans. Many types of solid tumours can be detected buy PET-CT and PET-MRI scans, including
- Brain
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Esophageal
- Head and neck
- Cervical
- Lung
- Skin
- Thyroid
- Prostate
- Lymphatic system
- Pancreatic
Heart Disease
PET scan can reveal low blood flow in the heart, thi information can help your doctor to determine or example whether you might benefit from coronary artery bypass surgery or a procedure to open clogged heart arteries called angioplasty.
Brain Disorders
PET scan can be used to check certain brain disorders such as tumours, Alzheimer's disease and seizures.
What Happens Before a PET-CT Scan?
For getting your PET-CT scan you are given certain guidelines to follow, make sure you follow all the guidelines given to you before and after the procedure.
- Diet plan- You might be told to not eat and only to drink clear fluids such as water after midnight the night before the scan. Depending on what part of the body is going to be scanned, you may need to stop all eating and drinking 4-6 hours before the scan. For some scans you can continue normal drinking and eating.
- Medication and medical history- You should always ask your doctor whether you can continue taking your medicines and supplements on the day and before the scan. Let them know if you have diabetes or other medical conditions as they can alter the test results.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding- You should inform your doctor if you think you are pregnant as the scan might put your baby at risk.
- Allergies- You should inform your doctor if you have any allergy to any drug or food, including reaction to iodine.
- What to avoid- Don't do any heavy exercise like running, jogging, or weightlifting 24 hours prior to your scan. Exercise can make your scan less accurate.
- What to wear- Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Clothes to be worn for scan should not have any zipper or buttons, you will be asked to remove all the jewellery and metal items you are wearing like zippers, bras and glasses. If your clothes cannot be worn during the scan, you will be provided a hospital gown to wear during the scan.
- Cost and consent- If you are concerned about the cost of PET-CT scan, you can check if your insurance will cover it. Ask how much price you need to pay. Once you reach the hospital, or centre, you will be asked to sign a consent form. The consent form states that you understand the benefits and risks of the scan and agree to have it.
What Happens In The Scanning Room?
Your radiographer takes you to the scanning room after you have changed your clothes. The PET-CT machine is large and shaped like a doughnut. You have most scans in a lying down position on the couch on your back . Once you're in the right posture, your radiographer leaves the room, although can see you through the window and can talk to you as well via the intercom facility. Once the scan is done you are then slid out of the scanner.
What Happens after The PET-CT Scan?
You can do your normal activities after the scan. This includes driving. But if you were given any sedative you have to be taken home by someone else. Sometimes a contrast is given, to wash out the contrast you might be asked to drink more water for a few hours after the scan.
Conclusion
Any health problem becomes a concern when it progresses, but cancer, in its name itself sounds dangerous and a sleep killer, hence diagnosing it correctly and diagnosing at an early stage becomes very crucial. A specialist known as a Radiologist reads a scan report and discusses it with you. As you might get your scan report and then have to take it to your general physician to know what the report says, it is advantageous to have a radiologist specialist at the diagnosing centre only. We at Ganesh Diagnostic And imaging centre, have an edge over other diagnostic centres as we have our in-house radiologist specialist as the Founder of the organisation.
For Free Consultation From The Doctor
Get connected to our doctor directly-
- Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
- Phone Number- 9212125996
- Available- 24*7*365
Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center For You?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many PET CT scan imaging which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many scans.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic Scans done, as all services are available under one roof.
GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon scan Image reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Book Your Online imaging and Get Early Appointment
Ganesh Diagnostic Center promotes great care and concern for patients.
It is our utmost duty to allow a speedy diagnosis and hope that in future, your treatment is done at the earliest.
Thus, we recommend you to book an appointment with us today and book your online diagnostic imaging scan for any specific disease, disorder and discomfort.
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Note from Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre
Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution and care are depicted in the several health checkups at our centre. We are the Nearby imaging centres at your service.
Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we present simple and comprehensive healthcare packages for any kind of diagnostic scan to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
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