PET-CT is a highly accurate diagnostic method that allows for the detection of tumors and metastases and the evaluation of the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET-CT) reveals the functional activity of tissues. The patient is injected with a radioactive substance, which accumulates in tumor cells. This allows for the visualization of areas with high energy activity, where anatomical changes are not visible on conventional CT or MRI.
Various radiopharmaceuticals are used to detect malignant tumor cells in the body. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose is currently considered the most effective. It is prepared immediately before the diagnostic procedure, taking into account the patient's specific needs.
Advantages of using PET-CT in cancer diagnosis
Accurate assessment of the extent of tumor tissue damage is crucial for subsequent treatment planning. PET-CT is also prescribed to patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy, determine how the tumor has changed over time, and identify any new lesions or recurrences.
Other advantages of PET-CT include:
The essence of PET-CT diagnostics is to determine the rate of cellular metabolism, which allows for the visualization of even the smallest tumors, as small as 4–5 mm in diameter.
Indications for PET-CT include:
Diagnostics are also performed before surgery. With this help, the doctor determines the boundaries and identifies hidden metastases, making the surgery as effective as possible.
Contraindications to PET-CT include:
The patient must remain absolutely still during the scan. Severe claustrophobia or severe anxiety may limit the diagnostic procedure.
Some contraindications are considered relative, while others are absolute. The decision on the appropriateness of PET-CT diagnostics in a given case is made by the attending physician.
When you pre-register for a PET-CT scan, our administrators will select a convenient date and time for you, explain in detail all the details of preparing for the procedure, and answer any related questions.
PET-CT preparation requires following these recommendations:
It is recommended to wear loose clothing without metal elements for the examination. To ensure accurate visualization, it is recommended to remove all jewelry, watches, and dentures.
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About the disease
PET-CT is an innovative method for diagnosing oncological diseases, which allows you to identify a benign or malignant tumor at an early stage, clarify its size and determine the area of growth. The procedure combines the principles of positron emission tomography and computed tomography. Such diagnostics are in most cases much more effective than ultrasound, X-ray or MRI.
In our clinic, we prescribe PET-CT to patients with a previously diagnosed or suspected malignant skeletal tumor, pancreatic cancer, or melanoma. Such diagnostics are indispensable for cancer of the thyroid and pancreas, lungs, ovaries, gastrointestinal tract, soft tissue sarcoma, etc.
Important! The examination itself takes no more than an hour. But additional time may be required to prepare the patient for the procedure, paperwork, rest after diagnosis, etc.