A PET scan is a type of positron emission tomography scan. PET scans are a diagnostic that can diagnose and treat cancer. It’s possible to combine it with a CT scan. A PET-CT scan is what doctors call it if this is the case. However, you may hear it referred to as a PET scan.
A PET CT scan can help detect cancer and determine its stage in some cancers. The term “stage” refers to the location of and whether it has spread. Doctors will also discover the scene of the tumour and how it is affecting your body’s processes. Knowing what stage of cancer you have can help you and your doctor decide on the best treatment option. It also aids your doctor in predicting your prognosis.
A CT scan provides detailed images of your internal organs and tissues. PET scans are more sensitive than other imaging tests at detecting aberrant activity. It may also cause changes in your body to appear sooner. Doctors use PET-CT scans to learn more about
A PET-CT scan can aid the doctor in several ways, in addition to determining your cancer stage.
- Locate a suitable biopsy location.
- Find out how effective your cancer treatment is.
- After therapy, keep an eye out for new cancer growth.
- Make arrangements for radiation treatment.
- What is a PET-CT scan, and how does it work?
Sugar by your body’s cells. You will receive a tiny injection of fluorodeoxyglucose-18, a radioactive sugar, before your PET-CT scan.
A CT scan is a procedure that involves taking x-rays of your body from various angles. Before the x-rays, you may get a dye shot—finally, the PET and CT pictures by a computer. Before the x-rays, you may get a dye shot—finally, the PET and CT pictures by a computer. Your doctor will receive a complete 3-D report that will show any abnormalities, including cancers.
Is it safe to have a PET-CT scan?
There is a danger of radiation exposure with PET-CT scans. This sort of scan uses x-rays, the material used in the PET scan, or a combination of the two. Less radiation when scanning a smaller body area. A CT scan without the dye that helps show details achieves the same thing.
The advantages of these testing usually outweigh the hazards. You will get to minor levels of radiation throughout these examinations. There has been no evidence that this tiny dosage of radiation causes harm. There may be a small increased risk of cancer in the future for children or other persons who require multiple PET scans, CT scans, and x-rays. Doctors can utilise lower-dose scans or limit the number of locations that must scan. Make sure all of your doctors are aware of how many imaging scans you’ve had, as well as the number and sort of scans you’ve had. This information will aid them in determining which scans to perform in the future to lower your risk. If you’re worried about your radiation exposure, talk to your doctor about it. You might be able to have a different sort of test that uses less radiation.
Who is going to perform my PET-CT scan?
Your PET-CT scan will by a technician who specialises in these sorts of imaging. After the test, your scan will by a doctor who specialises in reviewing test results. This individual is a radiologist or a nuclear medicine specialist. They will determine the significance of the findings.
PET-CT scans can be at a hospital or a diagnostic imaging centre.
Preparing for a PET-CT scan
When you make an appointment for a PET-CT scan, the staff will explain how to prepare. You avoid altering your scan results; make sure to follow their directions properly. Discuss the following issues with the team and ask questions about any unclear or disturbing material to you.
What to eat. After midnight, the night before, the may urge you to drink only clear beverages. Depending on your body’s area, you may need to fast for 4 hours back to the scan. You can eat and usually drink during various scans.
Your medical history and medications: Check with your doctor to see if you should take any of your regular drugs or supplements on the day of the test. Also, inform them if you have diabetes or any other medical issues. Diabetes, in particular, can influence test results, and the radioactive tracer can affect blood sugar levels. Inform the personnel if you are breastfeeding or may be pregnant. These scans may endanger the infant.
Stay away. Do not engage in any strenuous exercise such as running, jogging, or weightlifting within 24 hours after your exam. Your scans may become less accurate as a result of training.
What to Put On. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with no metal buttons or zippers. You’ll need to take off any metal-containing clothing, as metal can interfere with the scan. Belts, jewellery, clothes with snaps or zippers, bras, and eyewear are all examples of this. You can wear a hospital gown if your attire isn’t suitable for the scan. Because you will be required to remove any jewellery on the day of your exam, you may want to leave it at home.
Insurance, fees, and permission are all factors to consider. If you’re worried about the expense of your PET-CT scan, find out what your insurance will cover before going through with the procedure. Inquire about how much of the cost you will be responsible for. When you arrive at the doctor’s office or hospital, you’ll sign a consent form. This form certifies that you are aware of the benefits and hazards of the scan and that you consent to it.
During your PET-CT scan, you’ll be able to see what’s going on.
An IV will be inserted into one of your veins by a member of the staff—a needle to the end of a narrow tube. The IV is as if it were a pinprick. I will be given a radioactive substance for the scan to you once the IV is in place. The radioactive substance will not affect you.
You must minimise your mobility and prevent an activity after the drug has, but you can sit comfortably on a chair. Moving the medicine too much can cause it to travel into places that. It makes it more difficult for doctors to interpret the image. It takes 30 to 90 minutes for the radioactive chemical to reach the body areas scanned.
When the scan is ready to begin, the technologist will assist you in securing your body on a table. You’ll probably lie on your back, but you might also have to rest on your stomach or side. It by the area of your body that needs to
Your body position will be crucial in this situation; the technologist positions you with a mask or a cast. These devices assist you in remaining entirely still during the scan.
The PET-CT scanner resembles a giant doughnut. The table moves fast through the slot in the centre when it first starts. It can assist you to see if you’re in the right spot. The table then slowly moves back and forth. From a neighbouring room, a staff member will monitor the exam. You can converse with them, and they can talk with you.
Will the Scan Make me Feel at Ease?
The staff will do all possible to make you feel at ease. A PET-CT scan isn’t harmful. However, some positions may be painful or exhausting. During the scan, you must remain completely still. It’s also possible that you’ll need to keep your arms over your head. Sometimes a member of the staff would ask you to hold your breath. Breathing motion might create fuzzy images.
During the scan, the staff member may elevate, lower, or tilt the table. Inquire as to when will move the
Following the PET-CT scan
After the scan, you can resume your normal activities. It applies to driving as well. I will advise drinking many glasses of water by the personnel—this aids in removing the radioactive substance and dye from your body.
