PET-CT Scanning: Revolutionising Cancer Detection and Treatment Monitoring

-

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 (FDG), derived from a simple sugar, is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. The FDG radiotracer gets accumulated in the body’s organs and tissues. The areas of higher FDG uptake are called ‘hot spots’ due to the occurrence of high levels of chemical activity. A PET scan is performed to create a 3D model of the metabolic activity in the body. Thereafter, a CT Scan is taken to create a highly detailed anatomical image of the area. Some of the specific areas of high FDG accumulation include salivary glands, brain, myocardium, gastrointestinal tract, gonadal tissues, urinary tract and thyroid gland. In addition, FDG can also show a higher uptake in areas of infection, tumour, and inflammation.

Why is it done?

This modality is used for various purposes, but the most common use of PET involves diagnosis, monitoring and guiding treatment for the following:

1. Cancer

Cancer cells show up as bright spots due to the fact that they consume more energy than regular cells. It is often combined with CT or MRI to get a highly detailed visualisation of organs and tissues. The scan is useful in finding out:

    • Cancer

    • Check the spread

    • Checking the effectiveness of treatment

    • Finding a recurrence

Common cancers that PET-CT/PET-MRI can detect include:

Brain, breast, skin, thyroid, oesophageal, cervical, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, lymphatic system, head & neck, lung.

2. Heart Disease

This scan is often recommended to check the flow of blood in the heart. It can appear useful to decide if a patient needs angioplasty or a bypass surgery.

3. Brain Disorders

This scan helps healthcare providers to assess normal and abnormal changes in the brain. In neuroimaging, they can help help healthcare providers to asses infections, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases, by visualising amyloid or tau deposits, glucose and amino acid metabolism, and dopamine receptor activity.

It aids in evaluating and monitoring brain conditions such as:

    • Alzheimer’s disease

    • Seizure disorders

    • Brain tumours

PET CT scan cost will vary depending on the location of the facility and the type of lab.

Benefits of PET-CT

A PET-CT is commonly used in the field of oncology as it provides valuable information which would be otherwise non-attainable using other imaging modalities. The primary areas for which this modality is used includes:

Diagnosis: The scan is useful in finding out changes at the cellular level, which makes it easier to detect cancer in its early stages when treatment is more effective.

Staging: It offers healthcare providers information regarding the location and spread of diseases, especially cancers. It helps in staging the disease and planning appropriate treatment.

Treatment monitoring: PET CT scans give relevant information about the function and structure of tissues, and make it easier to evaluate how well treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy are working.

Location: 14, 15 & 16, Vikas Marg, opp. Metro Pillar No. 119, near Karkarduma Metro Station, Hargobind Enclave, Main, Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best MRI Scan Test in Delhi NCR | House of Diagnostics

-
Image
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive imaging method that uses powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. These scanners are often used to examine various body parts, such as joints, breasts, heart, blood vessels, brain, spinal cord, bones, and internal organs, to detect anomalies and other conditions. How MRIs work MRI scanners use powerful magnets to align water protons in the body with the magnetic field during the scan. During the realignment, protons emit radio signals that get translated into detailed images by a computer. These images provide crucial insights into the body area being examined. Contrast vs. non-contrast MRI: To create better images, sometimes the doctor may order a contrast scan. For this, a contrast dye, typically gadolinium, is injected before an MRI to enhance the visibility of internal structures or detect subtle tissue variations. The injectable dye helps highlight areas of inflammati...
Read more

What is SGPT Test?

-
Image
An SGPT test is a blood test done to find out the amount of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) enzyme in the blood. The SGPT enzyme is mainly found in the liver and is known to perform many functions. The body uses the Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) to break the food into energy. Normally, the ALT levels are low; however, in a situation where the liver becomes inflamed or damaged due to certain medical conditions, it releases the enzyme ALT into the bloodstream. A small amount of ALT is also found in muscles, kidneys, and other organs. Since this test alone can’t provide a complete picture of your liver’s health, it is commonly ordered along with other tests. Do an online search to know SGPT test price . It is important to monitor SGPT levels as it shows the current state of the liver. An elevated level of SGPT may indicate liver disorders, diabetes, heart issues, obesity and hepatitis C. The test may be done to find out conditions such as jaundice, hepatitis and liver cirrho...
Read more

EEG Test | Report | Cost | Price | House of Diagnostics

-
Image
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive medical test that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain. It is a crucial diagnostic tool used primarily to detect abnormalities related to electrical activity in the brain, which can assist in diagnosing various neurological conditions. During an EEG, small electrodes are attached to the scalp using a special conductive paste or cap. These electrodes pick up the tiny electrical impulses produced by brain cells. The signals are then amplified and recorded by a computer, resulting in a series of wavy lines on a graph known as brain waves. The different patterns of brain waves can indicate different states of brain activity, such as awake, asleep, or experiencing a seizure. EEG Test are particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as epilepsy, where abnormal brain activity is often detectable during and between seizures. They are also used to investigate other disorders that affect brain function, including sleep di...
Read more