The Use of PET/CT Scanning in Cancer Patients
PET/CT scanning or an integrated PET-CT scan combines images from PET scan and CT scan to provide a more detailed report about a condition. CT scans or Computed Tomography scan provides detailed pictures of the targeted tissues or organs of the body; while the Positron Emission Tomography scan reveals any type of abnormal functions going on in those particular tissues or organs. Combining these two scans together provides a more complete and clear image to diagnose and monitor cancer. The integrated test is performed with the same machine at the same time and is completely painless for the patient.
PET-CT scan in detecting and treating cancer
The use and importance of this highly advanced combined test in detecting and treating cancer patients is immense. The test can be very effective pin-pointing and detecting cancer at its origin. With the help of this test, oncologists can easily see if abnormal cell division and functions are ongoing in any part of the body. This diagnostic tool is also used to find out the stage of the cancer. Knowing the right stage of cancer is very important for doctors in order to provide the patient with the best treatment for that certain stage. This can also help in predicting the chance of recovery for the patient. The test process also has an application in locating an area for biopsy.
The other major use of integrated PET-CT scans in cancer treatment is that, the effectiveness of an ongoing cancer treatment can be evaluated with the help of this test. The test can be very effective to find out the effects of ongoing treatment of the cancer cells and help determine the next course of treatment. This test can show how effective chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been in the cancer treatment, and is often used in planning radiation therapy treatments.
How to Prepare for your PET/CT scan
If you have just booked your appointment for a PET-CT scan, then your doctor has probably provided you with some guidelines to prepare for the test. Preparing for the integrated PET/CT scan is not a big deal, but you need to follow all directions and guidelines that were provided. Usually patients are instructed to eat nothing but clear liquids the night before the day of your appointment. Normally, patients are not allowed to eat or drink anything for at least four hours before the test.
It is also important that your doctor be well informed about any medication you are taking, and he might ask you to stop those medicines prior to the test. If you have a headache, or mild fever, talk with your doctor about the course of action you can take before starting any additional medications. If you are allergic to any medications, inform your doctor in advance of the test.
PET-CT scan in detecting and treating cancer
The use and importance of this highly advanced combined test in detecting and treating cancer patients is immense. The test can be very effective pin-pointing and detecting cancer at its origin. With the help of this test, oncologists can easily see if abnormal cell division and functions are ongoing in any part of the body. This diagnostic tool is also used to find out the stage of the cancer. Knowing the right stage of cancer is very important for doctors in order to provide the patient with the best treatment for that certain stage. This can also help in predicting the chance of recovery for the patient. The test process also has an application in locating an area for biopsy.
The other major use of integrated PET-CT scans in cancer treatment is that, the effectiveness of an ongoing cancer treatment can be evaluated with the help of this test. The test can be very effective to find out the effects of ongoing treatment of the cancer cells and help determine the next course of treatment. This test can show how effective chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been in the cancer treatment, and is often used in planning radiation therapy treatments.
How to Prepare for your PET/CT scan
If you have just booked your appointment for a PET-CT scan, then your doctor has probably provided you with some guidelines to prepare for the test. Preparing for the integrated PET/CT scan is not a big deal, but you need to follow all directions and guidelines that were provided. Usually patients are instructed to eat nothing but clear liquids the night before the day of your appointment. Normally, patients are not allowed to eat or drink anything for at least four hours before the test.
It is also important that your doctor be well informed about any medication you are taking, and he might ask you to stop those medicines prior to the test. If you have a headache, or mild fever, talk with your doctor about the course of action you can take before starting any additional medications. If you are allergic to any medications, inform your doctor in advance of the test.