PET scan stands for positron emission tomography, used to detect if there are any diseases or concerns in organs and tissues. This imaging test uses a dye involving mild radioactive tracers, producing a three-dimensional image inside of your body. The device that operates the procedure is known as a PET scanner and the radioactive chemical injected is known as radiotracer.
Basically, a medical expert injects the tracer into a vein in the arm or hand. This scanner is similar to MRI and CT scanners. For PET-CT and PET-MRI scans for cancer diagnosis, visit the leading cancer hospital in Siliguri. A radiologist will determine if there are any diseased cells.
For early cancer diagnosis, a PET scan is effective. And, many times, the doctor orders PET scans in combination with imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs. The test reports are compared in order to get a clearer comprehension of the disease.
However, a PET scan is an effective diagnostic pross for not only cancer but also heart diseases like coronary artery disease, heart attack, and brain conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors.
Why are PET scans done?
When used for cancer diagnostic purposes, it can detect:
- Presence of malignant or cancerous tumors/cells
- The spread of malignant growths or cancer to lymph nodes or organs
- Cancer recurrence
- If the treatment given for cancer healing is working or not
- The best treatment for cancer types
How does a PET scan work?
A scanning machine is used with a wide hole formed at its center. This kind of nuclear imaging device employs safe, small portions of a radioactive substance to examine photons released by a radionuclide in cells or organs injected into the IV. For PET scans for cancer diagnosis, you might reach out to the top cancer hospital in Siliguri.
PET scans make use of radiotracers to measure different metabolic activities or processes in the body. Here, disease tissues soak up more radiotracer (radioactive sugar/ fluorodeoxyglucose or FDG).
About 30 minutes for PET-CT and 45 minutes for PET-MRI. It is a painless process, but if you have allergic reactions, claustrophobia, anxiety, etc. inform your radiographer or specialist present there.
Be sure to follow medical guidelines provided by your healthcare provider, such as stopping caffeinated drinks or foods 1 day before the scan, following a diabetes health plan (if you have diabetes), not wearing metal accessories, wearing comfortable clothes, not eating for six hours and drink only water or as guided, informing the doctor if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
It’s an outpatient test. Upon arriving at the healthcare center and filling up hospital formalities, you have to change into a hospital gown. In case, you feel anxious, the expert might give you mild sedatives. Contact a reliable, reputed cancer hospital for radiotherapy, immunotherapy, cancer surgery, and chemotherapy in Siliguri.
During a PET scan process, you’ll hear buzzing and clicking sounds. Feel free to ask for help if you experience any discomfort. More commonly, patients resume their normal activities soon after the process until their healthcare provider advises anything.
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