A PET/CT scan is a nuclear medicine procedure that provides a comprehensive view of an organ or tissue’s metabolic activity along with detailed 3D structural images. This combination enhances the capability of our nuclear medicine specialists to detect even the smallest lesions effectively.
PET, which stands for Positron Emission Tomography, involves introducing a small amount of radioactive material, known as a tracer, into your body. This tracer is absorbed by your organs and tissues. On the other hand, CT, or Computed Tomography, is a type of X-ray. The fusion of these two scans has been scientifically proven to exhibit remarkable sensitivity in detecting early stages of diseases, often identifying abnormalities even before structural changes occur. This capability is crucial in discovering small tumors that may go unnoticed by other imaging techniques or CT scans alone. Such findings can significantly impact the selection of the most appropriate treatment for patients.
Information derived from PET/CT scans can guide decisions regarding the optimal combination of surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for effectively managing a patient’s cancer. Furthermore, PET/CT plays a vital role in monitoring the progress of therapy and assisting in the planning of surgical and radiotherapeutic interventions.
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