PET-CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography) is a modern imaging technique. It provides detailed information about the structural as well as biochemical changes in the body. It plays a vital role in the diagnosis, detection, and management of various disorders and diseases in the body.
It is commonly used to detect cancer, brain disorders, and heart-related issues. The doctor must know what is happening with the treatment he has recommended. This methodology helps in knowing how effective the treatment is.
PET-CT scan helps doctors in examining the organs and monitor whether they are functioning properly or not. It provides information about the flow of the blood and how the body is using sugar and oxygen.
Why one might need PET CT Scan?
The PET-CT scan combines two imaging procedures on a single image to provide detailed information about the problems such as:
- Cancer, its stage and spread in the body
- Recurrence of cancer after successful treatment
- The outcome of a heart attack on different body parts.
- check the functionality of the heart and brain
- Evaluate the brain abnormalities such as brain tumors, memory disorders, seizures, and other central nervous system disorders
Now we will discuss in detail about the problems that can be detected using PET CT Scan
PET-CT for Cancer Problems
PET CT Scan is the best methodology to detect and diagnose different types of cancer, their severity, their spread, and the stage of cancer. This in turn helps the doctors in deciding the treatment plan and the effectiveness of the treatment. Sometimes even after successful treatment, cancer has returned, and this procedure helps in confirming the recurrence of cancer.
PET-CT for Heart Disorders
PET-CT for heart, disorders help in diagnosing coronary arteries diseases, the treatment for clogged arteries and the effects of a heart attack on various parts of the heart.
PET-CT for Brain Disorders
It generates extensively detailed images of the brain and gives detailed information about the metabolic changes in the brain. It is usually recommended when the problem is not visible on other imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. It determines the brain disorders and helps the doctor in selecting the treatment to get rid of the problem. PET-CT scan helps in the detection of various brain disorders such as epilepsy, seizures, and brain tumor.
How does one prepare for PET CT Scan?
- Before the procedure, the doctor will instruct you for refraining from physical activities for 24 to 48 hours.
- 6 hours of fasting
- A doctor will instruct you to follow a special diet for 24 hours before the scan.
- If you are breastfeeding, the doctor may suggest you discard breast milk for a few days.
In which cases PET-CT scan is avoided?
Doctors recommend avoiding the PET CT Scan in the following conditions.
- Allergic reaction from the tracer
- Ill recently
- Diabetes
- High insulin levels
- Pregnancy
- Claustrophobia
Is PET CT Scan Safe Procedure?
PET-CT scan is the safest procedure because there is low exposure to radioactive tracers. The doctor will suggest you drink plenty of fluid to eliminate the tracer from the body in a few hours.
How Much Time Does PET CT Scan Take?
Before the PET-CT scan, Technologist will inject you with a radiotracer and wait for at least one hour because the body takes time for absorption. After an hour, the technologist will ask you to lie still on the exam table. The complete scanning procedure may take around 30 – 45 minutes.
What is the cost of a PET CT Scan?
The cost of a PET CT Scan varies from one PET Scan center to another even from one location to another. The location with fewer medical facilities will encounter higher costs. The other factors that influence the price of the PET-CT scan are the technology used by the best diagnostic center, the type of PET-CT scan, and insurance coverage. Generally, the cost of a PET CT Scan in Delhi ranges from Rs. 23,000 to 25,000.
Conclusion
Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET CT Scan) is an advanced and the best imaging procedure that plays an important role not only in diagnosis but also in monitoring the problem. This helps the doctor in deciding the treatment for cancer, heart-related issues as well as brain-related issues. It is possible to determine the severity of cancer and its stage so that it can be treated accordingly based on the result.