What to expect during a PET Scan?
The first thing you will be asked to do before a PET scan is to give a brief clinical history then change into a hospital gown. This will be followed by the healthcare provider giving you a radioactive substance called radiotracer-18F-FDG, which will be injected into a vein.
Then, there is a waiting period of about 60 minutes, during which your body absorbs the radiotracer. Once this period gets concluded, you will be requested to lie down on a table that will go inside the PET scan machine.
Once you are inside the PET scan machine, the machine will begin the scan process & clicking images. You will be asked to stay still and not speak while inside the machine. The scan will typically conclude in 20-25 minutes and will be totally painless.
What is the role of PET Scan in Diagnosis and Treatment?
PET Scan is a critical diagnostic tool that plays a major role in the diagnosis & treatment of disease, especially cancer.
The primary uses of PET scans comprise detecting various malignancy, cardiovascular issues & neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
How does PET Scan work?
The working of the PET Scan is based on the detection of radioactivity emitted by the radioactive tracer within the human body.
The radioactive tracer comprises a tiny quantity of radioactive glucose (18F-FDG). The PET scan machine rotates around the body and clicks images of the whole body.
The pictures also display the biodistribution as well as its pathological distribution of the radiotracer inside the body. If the tracer builds up in particular areas inside the body, then it indicates disease.
What are the benefits of PET Scan?
PET scan is a molecular imaging examination, hence PET scan helps in the early detection of diseases such as cancers before they can be diagnosed via other tests/scans.
Clinical research data has shown that PET scan is much better than other imaging scans like MRI & CT scan when it comes to the diagnosis, staging & surveillance (restaging) of different kinds of cancers. It helps healthcare providers identify the location of cancer cells inside the body in a much more accurate manner.
Conclusion
The PET scan is a crucial imaging scan that helps diagnose diseases at an early stage, mainly different types of cancer.
If a healthcare provider has recommended you or your family member a PET scan, then get in touch with us at Clinico! Clinico offers best-in-class PET scan service at our state-of-the-art Thane centre.
Call us 24×7 on 9504555555 to
book an appointment.
