PET/CT in Oncology

PET/CT in Oncology

PET/CT (positron-emission tomography-computed tomography) plays an important role in the management of cancer. It provides the information of functional PET and anatomical CT in one imaging technique. It improves the accuracy of diagnosis, staging, and restaging of cancer. It also helps in evaluating treatment response. 

Benefits of PET/CT in oncology:

• Identify metastasis (spreading of cancer to other parts of the body)
• Evaluation of the cancer therapy response
• Identify cancer recurrence

How PET/CT is different compared to other imaging tests?

PET/CT scan shows changes at the cellular level in very early stages. Other imaging tests such as CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect changes only in later stages. PET in combination with CT, creates image fusion and gives a three-dimensional image. Hence, PET/CT helps in the early and precise diagnosis of the disease. 

How is a PET/CT scan performed?

The entire PET/CT scan may take around two hours. Before the PET/CT scan, you will be injected with a radiotracer that contains a small or safe amount of radioactive tracer. You will be kept in an observation room for about one hour to let the radiotracer absorbed into your tissues. 

A CT contrast dye is also injected to get better images. The PET scan shows where the radiotracer is and the CT scan takes images of the body from different angles. You might hear some buzzing or clicking sounds while the images were taken. You may also have to wait until the technologist reviews the scans to make sure the images obtained were clear. 

Are there any risks involved with PET/CT scan?

The PET/CT scan involves administration of minute quantities of radiation which are absolutely safe and do not cause any harm to the body.

The CT contrast may cause mild allergic reaction in some patients. The risk of these reactions are similar to that of any CT scan procedure.

PET-CT scans are contraindicated in pregnancy. Nursing mothers are advised to express and store breast milk prior to the injection of PET dye and avoid close contact with baby for at least 8-10 hrs after the injection.