Whenever technology can make medical testing easier and less cumbersome for patients, we applaud their efforts. We give major kudos to the latest medical advances in cancer diagnosis. We are talking about combining PET and CT and its power of hybrid imaging in cancer diagnosis. Let’s explain what this new imaging is and how it improves diagnostic accuracy.
What Are PET/CT Scans?
This is a hybrid scan that blends two imaging tests in one appointment to diagnose and find the location of cancer while improving the comfort and convenience for the patient. The PET/CT scanner provides great sensitivity in detecting any abnormalities in tissue throughout your body.
The test is non-invasive and quick, taking just around a half hour. It provides better imaging and decreases the number of appointments needed. In addition, PET/CT scans are generally covered by health insurance, including Medicare.
How PET/CT Works
PET, or positron emission tomography, is a type of nuclear medicine imaging which monitors biochemical functions of cells by analyzing how they process certain elements like glucose or sugar. Cancer cells metabolize glucose significantly more than normal tissues. As PET imaging detects increased glucose that other tests may miss.
However, PET does not exactly pinpoint the size and position of tumors necessary for treatment planning.
CT, or computed tomography, provides a detailed image of cross sectional x-rays of the body, but may miss tiny or beginning stages of cancers.
Combining the two in one machine, allows radiologists with Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging to conduct both scans in a single session without requiring the patient to move, helping them identify the where the tumors are and the stage to better target and treat cancers.
Every PET/CT scan is reviewed by a board-certified nuclear medical doctor and a board-certified radiologist. The result is they can make a more detailed image than either test could make by itself.
What Types of Cancer Can PET/CT Diagnose?
PET/CT scans are used to diagnose and monitor various types of cancer, including:
- Lung Cancer: PET/CT scans can help detect tumors in the lungs and assess if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
- Breast Cancer: These scans can be used to evaluate the extent of breast cancer and check for metastasis in other parts of the body.
- Colorectal Cancer: PET/CT imaging helps in staging colorectal cancer and monitoring for recurrence after treatment.
- Lymphoma: PET/CT scans are particularly effective in diagnosing and staging both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Melanoma: These scans can help determine the extent of melanoma and detect any spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
- Head and Neck Cancers: PET/CT scans are used to assess tumors in the head and neck region, including oral, throat, and nasal cancers.
- Pancreatic Cancer: They can assist in evaluating pancreatic tumors and checking for metastatic disease.
- Prostate Cancer: PET/CT scans can help assess prostate cancer, especially when looking for recurrence or metastasis.
- Thyroid Cancer: These scans can be used to evaluate thyroid nodules and detect any spread of thyroid cancer.
- Sarcomas: PET/CT scans can assist in diagnosing and staging soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas.
These scans provide crucial information about the location, size, and metabolic activity of tumors, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Contact Southwest Diagnostic Center for Molecular Imaging at (214) 345-8300 if you would like more information on our PET/CT scans in Dallas.
Sources: The Role of PET/CT Scans in Oncology | Stanford Health Care
PET/CT Scan for Cancer | Baltimore | University of Maryland Medical Center (umms.org)
PET CT Scan for Cancer: PET vs CT vs MRI Scan (cancercenter.com)