How to Interpret PET-CT Scans
Posted by PET-CT Las Colinas on April 27th, 2019
When a doctor comes across a suspicious lump or notices particular symptoms in a patient, they are likely to recommend further tests. The first among these is the PET-CT Scan. PET-CT stands for positron emission tomography-computed tomography. This combination technology qualifies as a hybrid PET scan since it gives more detailed images than the PET scan alone. The imaging test is used to acquire detailed x-ray images of the affected area which will then be used to make a proper diagnosis and determine whether there will be a need for further tests.
The procedure involves:
• The doctor injects the patient with a tracer fused into a bioactive molecule, usually a sugar, which is absorbed into some tissues and organs. Where chemical activity in the body is at higher levels, the tracer will accumulate and will look like bright spots on the scan. Cancerous cells will have a higher chemical activity than healthy cells because of their increased metabolism. The scan also measures oxygen intake, blood flow and organ metabolism.
• These bright spots are what will guide the doctor on their next move. Since PET-CT scans show issues at the cellular level, the doctor should be able to tell whether the patient has cancer, its precise location and how far it has spread. Where a patient is already on cancer treatment, the scan will help tell whether the treatment is working.
• Cancer treatment is mostly dependent on its location, how far it has spread and the age of the patient. Based on the results of the scan and the other relevant factors, the doctor should be able to recommend the best treatment approach for the patient.
Cancer diagnosis is the first step to appropriate cancer treatment. With the sharper images from the PET-CT scan, doctors can give a detailed analysis of the situation and give the way forward. It forms the basis of any treatment plan.
About Author
PET / CT of Las Colinas was developed with both patients and physicians in mind and our services have been used for various types of disease; primarily in detecting, staging and monitoring cancer, but also in heart disease and brain disorders.
