PET-CT Scan: Purpose and Procedure

PET-CT scan is the short form of Positron Emission Tomography-computed tomography. PET-CT is an advanced radiological tool which uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormalities (cancers) in the body. Radioactive tracer is a glucose added with radioactive isotope to detect the movement of glucose. Most common radioactive tracer used is FDG glucose. PET-CT involves a specific procedure and is used for the purpose of mostly cancer detection, its spread or effect of treatment. PET-CT is preferred diagnostic tool in the detection of cancer because it helps in easy and early detection of cancer at the cellular level. The activity of induced tracer is analyzed by the scanner to detect the cancer.

What is PET-CT Scan?

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is advanced radiological procedure that uses radioactive tracer for the detection of cancer. PET-CT is the combination of 2 procedures that is PET and CT to create 3D images of the abnormal area for easy and early detection of cancer. PET-CT is preferred tool diagnosis because it provides both metabolic and anatomical view for the detection of cancers. 

What is PET-CT used to check for?

PET-CT is used to check for different of abnormalities in the body, these include:

• Different types of cancers like Breast cancer, Colon cancer, Lung cancer, Thyroid cancer etc.
• Diseases related to heart like coronary artery diseases, heart attacks and other heart problems
• Various types of brain disorders like epilepsy, dementia, brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease.

What is the procedure for the PET-CT scan?

Patient going for the PET-CT scan should following certain instructions before going for the scan. Consult the doctor before going for the scan and reveal all medical history, medications, allergies and other things that patient may feel important to reveal. PET-CT is outpatient procedure which means patient is allowed to go home on the same day. Before going for the procedure patient is advised to reveal:

• All medical history, medications and supplements.
• Allergies towards certain medications.
• If comfortable in closed spaces.
• If having pregnancy or suspecting any pregnancy.
• If breast feeding mother.
• If having diabetes or any other medical condition.

On the test day, patient is advised to not to eat food six hours before the test and avoid caffeine 24 hours before the test. Patient should wear loose and comfortable clothes and keep all the metallic or other jewelleries at home. Patient will be injected with radioactive tracer and advised to rest for 1 hour till the tracer reaches all parts of body. After injecting radioactive tracer, patient should avoid any kind of exercise, or vigorous movement which could affect the result of the scan. 

What are the advantages of PET-CT scan?

PET-CT is advanced radiological scanning technique which has various advantages over the conventional diagnostic procedure and these include:

• Accurate detection of cancer location
• Early detection of cancer in the body
• Helps to plan the treatment for the cancer
• Shows the effect of treatment on the cancer cells
• Helps to design the treatment for the cancer
• Helps to monitor the treatment response
• Safe for patients with other health conditions.

What are the disadvantages of PET-CT scan?

PET-CT is also having some disadvantages, but advantages overweight the disadvantages that are why the procedure is used for diagnostic purpose. Here are some disadvantages of PET-CT Scan:

• Exposure to radiations
• Injecting radioactive tracer in the body
• Costly procedure for common people
• Non availability of procedure
• Patient motion can blur the images
• Sometimes shows false results of both negative or positive conditions

Conclusion

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is advanced radiological procedure that uses radioactive tracer for the detection of cancer. PET-CT is the combination of 2 procedures that is PET and CT to create 3D images of the abnormal area for easy and early detection of cancer. PET-CT is used to look for various types of cancers, heart diseases and brain abnormalities. The procedure uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormalities. Before going for the procedure patient should fast for at least 6 hours and reveal all medical history to the doctor. There are various types of advantages or PET-CT scan like early detection of cancer, accuracy, helps to design treatment etc. Disadvantages of PET-CT includes costly, radiation exposure, radioactive tracer etc. Overall PET-CT is advanced and well effective procedure to detect the cancers easily and early. Detection helps to treat the condition effective and early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is PET-CT Scan?

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography) is advanced radiological scan that helps to detect the abnormalities like cancers, heart diseases and brain abnormalities at the early stage.

What is PET-CT used to check for?

PET-CT is used to check for different types of cancers, heart diseases and brain abnormalities.

What is the procedure of PET-CT scan?

The procedure of PET-CT scan involves injection of radioactive tracer and allowed to rest for 1 hour. The scanning machine traces the movement of radioactive tracer and provides the results.

What are the advantages of PET-CT Scan?

There are various advantages of PET-CT scan like accuracy, fast, helps to design treatment, affect of treatment etc.

What are the disadvantages of PET-CT scan?

There are various disadvantages of PET-CT scan like costly procedure, radiation exposure, injecting radioactive tracer etc.

What is the ICD-10 code for PET scan?

The ICD-10 code for the PET scan is C23.

Where to get PET-CT Scan done in India?

PET-CT scan is available in all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore etc. of India.