The positron emission tomography scan popularly known as PET scan is a procedure where the images of the issues are taken and studied to see the proper functioning of the organ. In the PET scan, a radioactive drug is used to see the activity. The positron emission tomography scan can detect the diseases in an organ much before any other scan could identify them. The radio-active drug named tracer is either injected or inhaled or swallowed completely based on the organ that is being scanned in the process. The radio-active drug tracer collects in the area of the patient's body where the levels of chemical activity are high, this mostly corresponds to the areas of the disease. On the positron emission tomography scan these spots show up bright in color than the other spots.
The PET scan is effective in examining the chemical activity in different parts of the patient's body. This PET scan helps in identifying a large variety of health conditions, which include several types of cancers, heart disease, and brain disorders. The images from a PET scan produce information different from that which is uncovered by other different types of scans, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A PET scan or a combined CT-PET scan allows your doctor to do better diagnose illness and assess the condition of the patient.
PET scan helps in indicting the cancer, the cells of cancer show up bright as they have high metabolic rate than the regular cells. In cancer patients the PET scan is useful in:
PET scan helps in finding out the tumor in different parts of the body such as:
PET scan is also helpful in detecting early heart dysfunctions and brain diseases.
The procedure involves injecting a radiotracer through a vein in the body (IV injection), which contains radiation and makes its way through the blood, building up in the organs and tissues. The PET scanner detects the radiation, creating 3-D images which the doctor can interpret. The results may indicate if an infection is present, if there is a change in organ size, location or shape, if cancer is present or has spread to other organs or tissues, or if there is a problem with the functionality of an organ.
Recommended for:
Time requirements:
PET (positron emission tomography) scans are a type of nuclear medicine imaging, which uses a small amount of weakly radioactive materials to diagnose diseases. The weakly radioactive substance called a radiotracer, is injected, swallowed, or inhaled into the body and allowed to travel throughout the body. The substance is tracked as it moves throughout the body so that physicians can understand how various organs are functioning. Many medical centres combine these scans with images taken using CT scans, (also known as CAT scans).
The amount of radiation your body absorbs during a PET scan is like the amount of radiation used in most CT scans. The radiotracers used during these scans are eliminated from the body in about 2-10 hours. You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you might be pregnant.
The accuracy of PET scan results may be affected by blood glucose levels if you are diabetic. However, PET scans are generally considered very accurate.
A PET scan can show the size, shape, position, and function of some organs. The test is used to check brain function, diagnose some cancers, and track their progress, check for heart problems, and track blood flow. Several PET scans may be taken over time to track the progress of certain medical conditions.
| Fortis Escorts Heart Institute | |
| Fortis Hospital Mulund | |
| Wockhardt Hospital South Mumbai | |
| Fortis Hospital Bangalore | |
| Erdem Hospital | |
| Leech Private Clinic | |
| Hospital San Roque Maspalomas | |
| Bayindir Hospital Icerenkoy | |
| Burjeel Hospital | |
| Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj |
New Delhi, India
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India
Bangalore, India
Istanbul, Turkey