In this article, we are going to discuss the PET-CT scan or CAT scan as the throat diagnostic tool for the detection of throat cancers. We will also discuss the different types of scans available.
The throat is the muscular tube that acts as a passageway for both food and air. It connects the nose with the trachea and the mouth to the oesophagus. It is located in the middle of the neck and is separated into various parts. The throat is also called the pharynx and is divided into nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx. The throat is important and its infection or disorder leads to abnormal functioning of the throat. Disorders and diseases related to the throat are pharyngitis (sore throat), infections, allergies, and cancers including nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer and hypopharyngeal cancer. Throat cancers can be diagnosed by various tests like PET-CT test. Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) is a combined approach scan of both PET and CT scans to diagnose disorders. It produces 3D images for the accurate diagnosis of the disease. CT is the same as CAT (computed axial tomography) which is a diagnostic tool for diseases Also, PET-CT scans are the same as PET-CAT scans. CT or CAT scan creates a non-moving detailed image of the organs, tissues and bones whereas positron emission tomography (PET) shows how the tissues in the patient at the cellular level work. PET-CT scan is the advanced level of the scan which uses radioactive tracers with a short half-life for the diagnosis of the diseases. The most commonly used radioactive tracer is the glucose called Fludeoxyglucose F18 (FDG) for the diagnosis of disorders or diseases. This scan uses a tracer for the metabolic activity of the cells and absorption of radioactive tracers makes it easy to detect the diseases.
Types of Disorders/diseases PET-CT Scan or PET-CAT Identifies in the Throat
PET-CT scan or PET-CAT scan is a special type of diagnostic tool that is used to create a moving image of the organs or tissues to give the activity at the metabolic level of the tissues. The throat is the multitasking muscular funnel that helps to breathe air and take food to the oesophagus. Many disorders and diseases are related to the throat and cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases associated with the throat. PET-CT scan is one of the best modern tools for the detection of any type of throat cancer at any stage. The most common radioactive tracer used in throat cancer detection is fluorine-18. It is the isotope of fluorine and has an approximate half-life of 110 minutes. The patient is made to sit for about 1 hour after the intravenous (IV) injection of radioactive tracer. The tracer will reach the whole body and the patient can be taken for the scan. PET-CT scan is used to detect different throat cancers.
There Are Two Most Common Types of Throat Cancer, Which Are:
- Laryngeal cancer: This is the cancer of the voice box, which affects the middle part of the throat. This starts from different parts of the larynx and typically affects people aged 55 and beyond.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: This cancer affects the right behind the mouth part of the throat. This affects people aged 63 and older.
Other Types of Throat Cancers Include:
- Hypopharyngeal cancer: affects the above part of the esophagus and windpipe
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: affects the part that is just behind the nose.
- Supraglottic cancer: affects the epiglottis, which keeps food from going into the windpipe.
- Glottic cancer: affects the vocal cords. Vocal cords are the middle part of the larynx.
- Subglottic cancer: affects the lower part of the voice box. About 5% of all laryngeal cancers start here.
Diagnostic Tools Other Than PET-CT Scan for Diagnosis of Throat Cancers
- CT scan (Book Now)
- MRI Scan (Book Now)
- Ultrasound (Book Now)
- Biopsy (Book Now)
- Blood tests for cancer (Book Now)
- Laryngoscopy (Book Now)
- Fine-needle aspiration (Book Now)
- Physical Examination (Book Now)
- Pharyngoscopy
- Nasendoscopy
- Panendoscopy
Why is a PET-CT scan best for Throat cancer diagnosis?
PET-CT scan is a noninvasive, painless and very fast diagnosis option. PET-CT scan gives better imaging and shows the activity of tissues at the cellular level with moving images, this helps the doctor to diagnose diseases like cancers at earliest of the stages. Early detection makes the treatment easy, effective and less costly as compared to late detection of diseases.
What is the Cost of throat PET-CT or CAT scan?
The cost of a PET-CT scan depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for throat cancer screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)
Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?
Ganesh Diagnostic has had expertise in quality healthcare tests and scans for decades, having best-in-class doctors and facilitation. Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The test results are accurate which helps the patients get the best and the right treatment for easy recovery. The quality is backed by the NABH and NABL accreditations, NABH is for the highest standard of care and services provided to patients and NABL reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment at national and international standards. We also provide free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity and book an appointment.
Conclusion
The throat is the multitasking funnel-like passageway for both food and air. It connects the nose with the trachea and the mouth with the oesophagus. Any disorder or disease can hamper the activity of the throat and affect the body. PET-CT scan is one of the advanced diagnosis tools, which uses radioactive tracers for the diagnosis of any throat conditions or disorders.
FAQs
What is the throat?
The throat is the multitasking funnel-like structure that is common for air and food. It connects with the trachea and oesophagus. It is located middle of the neck and separated into various parts.
What are the different types of throat cancers?
Different types of throat cancers include Laryngeal cancer, Oropharyngeal cancer, Hypopharyngeal cancer, Nasopharyngeal cancer, Supraglottic cancer, Glottic cancer and Subglottic cancer.
Why use PET-CT scan for throat cancer?
PET-CT scan is an advanced type of scan that uses positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in combination for the diagnosis of diseases and disorders for easy and early detection.
What is the difference between a PET-CT scan and a PET-CAT scan?
Both the scans are the same, where CT stands for computerized tomography (CT) whereas CAT stands for computerized axial tomography.
When to go for a PET-CT scan?
Do not avoid the symptoms related to throat disorders, go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)
What are the risks associated with PET-CT scans?
There are no such risks associated with PET-CT scan when conducted in the presence of healthcare expert and at good healthcare facility with proper guidelines and protocols.
What is the cost of a PET-CT scan?
Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility. (Book Now)
How can you find a PET-CT scan near me?
You can type PET-CT scan near me in Google search for the nearest centres available or click here for consultation.
