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Introduction
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What is PET?
PET is the acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. It is a powerful medical
diagnostic imaging procedure which can provide information which are currently
unavailable from other imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is providing physicians with a better
understanding of cell metabolism than ever before and where it has been used, it
is found to help improve the therapy and quality of life of cancer patients.
Why is PET different from CT and MRI?
Unlike the conventional imaging procedures in MRI and CT which show changes in
shape and size of the tumor, a PET scan reveals cancer activity at work on the
chemical level.
In scientific parlance, this means that MRI and CT scans provide anatomic
imaging of the physical structure of the body while a PET scan provides
metabolic imaging that show how the body's organ systems function and how cells
grow. The PET scan is able to show whether tissue is normal or abnormal based on
cellular metabolism.
Therefore, with MRI and CT, the cancerous tumor must have a dramatic change in
size and shape before the effects will show up in the scan. Since PET views the
level of activity of the cancer, important information can be ascertained much
quicker.
Why choose PET/CT?
After you have understood the benefits of PET, you may ask this question. A PET
scan on a stand alone basis doesn't produce as detailed a picture of the
structure of an organ as CT scan and MRI. However, when PET and CT scans are
integrated (therefore the acronym PET/CT), you will get a fused or combined
image of the organ's metabolism AND structure thus understanding more about the
changes in your body. For example, if cancer has been diagnosed, PET/CT scanning
can be done to help determine how far advanced the cancer is and whether it has
spread to another area of the body (metastasized). This will then help determine
the best course of treatment for the patient.
Need to know more? Make an
Appointment or send a
Query today.
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