Types of Cancer Detected by PET Scan

PET (positron emission tomography)  is an advanced radiological procedure, which uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormalities.  Almost all cancers can be detected by the PET scan and the procedure is almost similar for all cancer. There are various types of radioactive tracers used based on the detection of the cancer. Various types of radioactive tracers used in the PET scan include fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), Fluorine 18 (18F), Gallium 68 (68G), Copper-64 (64Cu), Rubidium Chloride (82RbCl) etc. FDG is the most common type of radioactive tracer used for the detection of abnormalities. PET scan detects the cancer at the earliest stage, which helps in easy and early treatment for the condition. PET identifies the condition at cellular level. There are various types of cancers detected by PET scan.

What are the various types of cancers detected by PET scan?

PET scan detects almost all cancers at the cellular level using the radioactive tracer. That is why PET scan is preferred diagnostic tool for the detection of the cancers oin the body. Here is the list of cancers detected by PET scan:

Solid tumours 

PET scan is very effective in detecting and recognizing the solid tumours of different organ like brain, breast, lungs, kidneys etc. Solid tumors are formed by the controlled division of cells leading to the formation of lesion mass called tumors.

High metabolic rate cancers 

Cancers with the high metabolic cellular rate are known to be recognized by the PET scan. PET scan is very effective tool in detecting the cancers at the cellular level. Cells with more metabolic activity consume more radioactive labeled glucose and helps in identification of cancer cells.

Lymphoma and Neuroendocrine tumors

Cancers, which occurs in lymphatic system or neuroendocrine system of the body. This includes the nervous system some parts of brain spinal cord and other associated tissues.

Brain cancer

Brain cancer or tumours can be detected by the PET scan at the earliest of the stages by recognizing the cellular activity. This helps in easy and early detection of the abnormalities which can be treated.

Breast cancer 

Breast cancer is one of the common cancers in women and causes a lump in the breasts. This occurs due to uncontrolled division of cells leading to the formation tumors.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer can also be detected by the PET scan as the cell mutations cause uncontrolled division of cells leading to tumours. These can be identified and treated at early stage through therapies.

Neck cancer

Neck cancer involves the part of inner neck with the associated tissues. This condition occurs when the cells divide in the uncontrolled manner leading to the formation of lumps or tumors in the neck. This condition can be identified easily by the PET scan and helps in the treatment of the condition.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer can also be identified by PET scan at the cellular level and helps in treatment of the condition. PET scan using radioactive tracers detects the cancer at the cellular level.

These are some of the cancers detected by the PET scan, the list is long and here are some other cancers like lymphatic cancer, testicular cancer, vaginal cancer, bladder cancer, Stomach cancer, Esophageal cancer, Thyroid cancer, Uterine cancer, Renal cancers etc.

What is the procedure of any PET scan?

The procedure of PET scan involves the administration of radioactive tracer into the body for the detection of abnormality. Patient going for the PET scan is advised not to eat for 6 hours before the scan. On the scanning day, patient is given radioactive tracer through IV and advised to wait for 1 hour till tracer reaches all the body. After that patient is asked to lie on the bed attached with the scanner. The bed slides into the scanner and scanning is performed. Scanning takes almost 30-40 minutes within the scanning machine and patient is advised not to make movements. After completion of the scan, bed slides out and patient can stand and leave. It is advised to take lot of water to flush out the radioactive tracer from the body.

What is PET scan used to show in the body?

A PET scan can detect various conditions in the body and these conditions include:

• Early stages of cancer
• Tumors and lumps
• Abnormal cellular activity
• Whether the tumor is benign or malignant
• Spread of cancer
• To look for heart diseases
• To look for brain abnormalities
• Growth of cancer
• Helps to design treatment for the  cancer
• Effect of treatment or therapy on the cancer
• Reduced blood flow
• Heart damage after stroke
• Effects of heart attack
• Can assess the probability of heart attack.
• Evaluating effect of treatment

Conclusion

PET (positron emission tomography) is an advanced radiological procedure, which uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormalities.  Almost all cancers can be detected by the PET scan and the procedure is almost similar for all cancer. There are various types of radioactive tracers used based on the detection of the cancer. PET can detect various kinds of cancer in the body like breast cancers, lung cancers, stomach cancers, heart abnormalities etc. PET scan is the advanced radiological technique which detects the cancer at the cellular level and also has various applications like planning treatment, effect of treatment, detecting cancers etc.