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PET-CT Scan: Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis & Cancer Detection

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A positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) scan is a powerful imaging modality that depicts physiologic processes within the body. For this scan, a tiny amount of radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used. When the radiotracer enters the bloodstream, it gets absorbed by the organs and tissues and when it decays, it emits gamma rays. The PET scanner collects these signals and creates a 3D image of the body’s metabolic activity. At the same time, the CT scanner delivers a detailed anatomical image of the same area. This scan is used all around the world and is advised in both cancer-related and non-cancer-related conditions. It is particularly helpful in evaluating and identifying cancer, and monitoring treatment progress. It is also used in evaluating different conditions related to brain and heart. Since this test helps provide a holistic view of the complete body anatomy, any abnormal activity in the body can be ...

Beta hCG Test: Early Pregnancy Confirmation, Uses, Procedure & Cost Guide

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Beta hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone that is produced by the developing placenta shortly after fertilisation. In the early pregnancy period, beta-hCG is produced in large quantities. The hormone can be detected in a mother’s blood or urine. Its levels are at peak between the 8th and 10th weeks of gestation. The rapid rise in hCG levels after conception makes it an excellent marker for early confirmation and monitoring of pregnancy. The HCG comprises of two subunits—the alpha and beta subunits. The measurement of free beta-hCG in the first trimester of pregnancy is considered a useful marker in antenatal screening for Down Syndrome and molar pregnancy, diagnosing a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and any kind of chromosomal abnormalities. Certain cancers, such as those of the ovary, testes, uterus, breast, or lung, also raise the HCG levels in the body. A beta HCG test aids in the detection of HCG levels in the blood. The HCG levels are indicative of things ...

Ultrasound Test (Sonography): Safe & Accurate Imaging for Internal Organs

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An ultrasound test is a safe and popular imaging modality. It involves using ultrasound waves to create images of internal body structures. It is often recommended by healthcare providers to study an individual’s heart, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. It is also used to study a developing baby inside the mother’s womb. The another name of this modality is sonography.  For the examination process, it uses a transducer (a handheld probe) to transmit and receive the ultrasound waves and create an image. Some gel will be placed on the part of the body that needs examining. When placed over a body, the transducer emits high-frequency sound waves at the internal body structures being examined. These sound waves, or echoes are reflected back and an image is created on the monitor. These images are then interpreted by a doctor/sonographer. The process is usually painless unless the area being examined is tender. The use of sophisticated technology ensures ...

PET CT Scan Explained: How It Works, Benefits & Preparation

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A Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography ( PET CT scan ) is a nuclear medicine-based imaging modality that can help evaluate diseases like cancer, brain disorders, and heart diseases. It basically combines two different imaging techniques – PET and CT scans and delivers highly detailed 3-dimensional color images of what is happening in a patient’s body at the molecular and cellular level. In this imaging procedure, a radioactive dye is injected or swallowed into the bloodstream, which emits gamma rays, and helps differentiate between healthy and diseased cells. A PET scan helps study the metabolism of a particular organ or tissue to get information regarding the physiology (functionality) and anatomy (structure) of the organ or tissue. This procedure is most commonly used by oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons. This scan helps evaluate patients with cancers such as thyroid, prostate, lung, breast, colon and lymph nodes. It is also suggested for patien...

What is FibroScan?

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FibroScan testing is a quick and non-invasive imaging technique that measures liver scarring or fibrosis caused by various liver diseases. In addition to evaluating fibrosis, it also quantifies the amount of fat in the liver. The imaging modality offers a non-surgical alternative to the traditional liver biopsy to assess liver damage. How is a FibroScan performed? Before the test, your healthcare provider may ask you about your medical history, including any allergies or medications you are taking. During the procedure, the patient is asked to lie on their back (supine position), and the probe is placed on the skin over the liver area, typically on the right side of the ribcage. The probe sends out sound waves that passes through the skin and bounce back from the liver. These vibrations create a mild sensation but it is generally painless. The sound waves penetrate the skin, tissues and muscles of the abdomen to assess liver stiffness. Depending on how fast the ultrasound waves pass th...

LFT Test: Meaning, Parameters, and Cost in Delhi NCR

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The liver is an essential and complex organ in the human body that performs many different jobs including metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, and vitamin storage. It provides energy to nearly every organ in the body and interacts with the endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. Besides storing iron and copper, it also assists in hematology with clotting factors and protein synthesis. Moreover, Kupffer and pit cells in the liver act as a first line of defense against pathogens, providing immune surveillance and cytotoxicity.  The doctor may prescribe liver function tests (LFT) to assess the liver’s health and evaluate any damage. These tests find out certain proteins and enzymes in the blood which helps determine inflammation, damage, or diseases affeMost commonly used liver function tests:cting the liver, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease and hepatitis. For instance, while acute hepatitis is the sudden inflammation of the liver, chronic hepatitis happens when infl...

PET-CT Scanning: Revolutionising Cancer Detection and Treatment Monitoring

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Positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the most promising medical imaging technologies currently available in the medical world. It uses a small amount of radioactive tracers or radiopharmaceuticals to visualise molecular processes in the body. By measuring changes at the cellular level, the modality may help evaluate the disease before other imaging tests. It is an accurate imaging method that helps in the diagnosis, staging, restaging, and therapeutic monitoring of many common cancers. What is PET/CT scanning? PET imaging or a PET scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. It combines computed tomography (CT) and PET in one single imaging method and presents results that help doctors in making treatment decisions. While the PET image reveals the functioning of the body, the CT image tells about the anatomic structure. If you live in Delhi-NCR, you can do an online search to know PET CT scan price . How does a PET-CT work? For this test, a PET radiotracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose...