What
is PET/CT?
A dual-purpose imaging device, PET/CT is the fusion
of the PET (positron emission tomography) and CT
(computed tomography) imaging techniques within
a single machine. PET shows metabolic or chemical
activity in the body and CT shows the body's anatomical
structures, allowing physicians to diagnose and
identify staging of diseases, as well as customize
the treatment.
- Ensures
that the PET scan corresponds directly to the
physical mass on the CT scan.
- PET/CT
eliminates the common problem of a delay between
the two studies, during which time the patient’s
condition may change.
Who uses it?
PET/CT can be used by radiation oncologists to better
target radiation fields, reaching all of the cancer
cells while avoiding damage to the surrounding healthy
tissue. Surgeons can also use PET/CT to pinpoint
exactly where to perform a biopsy or a surgical
excision.
- The
precision of the PET/CT fusion is most valuable
for detecting cancers located in the lungs, neck,
and lower pelvis.
- PET/CT
aids in targeting exact locations for biopsies
and surgeries.
Interested
in more information about PET/CT possibilities?
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