PET-CT Scan is a State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Imaging Method for Today’s Patients. The PET-CT Scan combines the imaging techniques of positron emission tomography, or PET, and computed tomography. PET-CT Scans give doctors the opportunity to visualise the anatomical structure of organs and tissues as well as how well those organs and tissues are functioning. Even though PET-CT Scans have many benefits for helping to diagnose and treat people with cancer, they also have some limitations. Doctors are learning that one of the most important questions cancer patients frequently ask themselves when they are trying to determine if a PET-CT Scan can provide them with the information they need about their cancer is, Can I get an Accurate Diagnosis of All Tumours Using a PET-CT Scan? It is not always possible to have all tumours diagnosed using a PET-CT Scan, but understanding both the benefits and limitations of this type of imaging helps to determine why doctors use PET CT scan in Mohali when making treatment decisions for patients with cancer.
When are PET scans highly effective?
PET-CT Scans are particularly effective for detecting tumours that have a high metabolism, and therefore metabolise significantly higher quantities of radioactive glucose (FDG), which makes the tumours look much darker on PET-CT Scans. Many types of lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, head and neck cancers, and colon cancer appear very positive for detection on PET-CT Scan. PET-CT Scans can help to locate tumours that may not be able to be detected using other imaging methods. Tumours that are located behind organs or deep in the body sometimes cannot be detected until there is enough metabolic activity (the ability to absorb and use glucose) to differentiate from the rarer forms of tissue that might occur elsewhere in the body. PET/CT in the diagnosis of metastatic bone, liver, lymph node, and lung tumours. The utilisation of the PET scan/CT scan combination is the best available method for detecting metastatic malignancy in the bone, liver, and lung.
Situations Where PET/CT May Not Accurately Identify Tumours
There are various reasons that certain types of metastatic tumours may not be detected by the PET CT scan in Mohali method of diagnosis.
- Low Metabolically Active Tumours
The types of tumours that do not metabolically utilise glucose (or perform this function to a low degree) will not be recognised by the PET scan. Examples of these types of tumours include:
- Low-grade Brain Tumour
- Low-Grade Prostate Cancer
- Lymphoma – Slow Growing
- Very Small Tumours
Very small or early-stage tumours may not be recognised by the PET/CT scan, although they may be growing rapidly.
- Type of Tumour
Some tumour types (i.e., carcinoid, mucinous, and certain kidney cancers) may not or do not utilise FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) in a significant manner.
- Inflammation leading to False Positives
PET/CT may show inflammation from an infection, healing or from an inflamed lesion, which gives the false impression of malignant disease. This is why PET/CT should not be used solely for the diagnosis of malignancy.
If you are looking for PET CT scan in chandigarh, or PET CT scan in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might just be the best option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted cancer specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment approach. With your determination and the expertise of the doctors, cancer can be conquered!