Is a PET CT Scan only for Cancer?

 When people hear about PET ct scan​, the first thought they have is of cancer. In fact, it is because of the name that this diagnostic test has built for itself in a manner that helps doctors in the fight against cancer. However, this test can be used for a wide range of other issues apart from cancer diagnosis. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) combined with Computed Tomography (CT) scan is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools to identify and detect the stages of cancer. But apart from this, it is highly useful in the diagnosis of various other ailments of the body as well.  PET-CT scan makes it possible to diagnose hidden infections in the body and evaluate disorders of the brain like Alzheimer’s disease. This is possible because of the advanced technology involved in a PET-CT scan, which makes it much superior to other diagnostic tests. While other tests just show the structures of the internal organs of the body, a PET-CT scan also shows how the organs inside the body are functioning. Hence, it is extremely crucial in the diagnosis of certain complications that other imaging tests, like X-rays or a simple CT scan, cannot detect. It is also highly instrumental in the department of cardiology to assess the condition of the heart and other organs. In this article, we will discuss in detail the PET ct scan near me​ and how they are helpful for other departments apart from oncology.



What is a PET scan?

A PET scan in Chandigarh​ or Positron Emission Tomography, is a test that is used to generate images of the internal organs in real time, giving an idea of the functioning of the internal organs. It involves the use of a safe, injectable amount of radioactive material called a tracer. The PET scanner then detects the cells or organs that are absorbing large amounts of radiotracer, which might indicate a potential health problem. This scan is widely used across the world to diagnose and detect various kinds of cancer and monitor the progress of the treatment. Apart from cancer, it is also highly advantageous to assess the conditions related to the heart and brain.

What is the difference between a PET Scan, a CT Scan, and an MRI?  

The key difference between a PET scan in Mohali and other techniques like CT scan and MRI lies in the fact that PET scan can show real-time functioning of the tissues and organs. While imaging CT scan uses X-rays, MRI employs magnets and radio waves; therefore, both methods only provide static images of the tissues. Moreover, the evaluation of the functioning is easier because real-time images are produced during a PET scan. Now, some hospitals have started using combined PET and CT scans, which have the ability to produce three-dimensional images.

How does a PET scan function?

As explained earlier, a PET ct scan near me​ is a form of Nuclear Medicine Imaging. It employs tiny, harmless doses of radioactive chemicals administered via an IV. This chemical is referred to as a radiotracer. Unlike other imaging methods, PET scans heavily emphasize molecular activity and other processes, and therefore, can diagnose many types of issues in the initial stage. Diseased or infected cells of the body of the patient take up excess radioactive chemicals as compared to healthier cells. PET scanners can trace these cells and create a picture of the same. This picture is usually paired with the X-ray images in a CT scan Mohali or a PET/CT scan. The patient is administered the radiotracer with an injection. Then the patient remains seated on a chair for approximately an hour to ensure that the radiotracer travels around the body and gets absorbed in the tissues. If the patient needs a PET/CT scan, a contrast dye is also injected into the patient, which aids in generating improved X-ray Images. After this, the patient is positioned to lie on the PET/CT scanner’s examination table, and the test is administered. The scan typically takes 30 minutes, during which the patient is expected to be as still as possible, since any form of movement can lead to blurry pictures.

The entire process of pet CT in Chandigarh is about 2 hours. Around an hour is taken for the radiotracer to get into the patient’s body,  the test itself after that takes about 30 minutes. 

Other problems where a PET scan can be used:

  1. Cardiovascular Disease: A PET ct scan​ helps to diagnose coronary artery disease, determine the myocardial viability and the damage done after a heart attack, and identify the areas of the heart that might benefit from angioplasty or bypass surgery. 
  2. Neurological Disorders: PET-CT scan can also be used to detect brain tumors, dementia, and identify the areas of the brain that are functioning abnormally during diseases like epilepsy.
  3. Other Problems: Apart from detecting these problems, PET scans can also be used to assess many other complications like inflammatory conditions, metabolism, and viability of the tissues, and identify specific areas of infection.

If you are looking for the best PET scan hospital near me or the best PET ct scan in chandigarh, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted oncologists and nuclear medicine specialists who provide the most comprehensive cancer care and PET-CT scan facilities to the patients in the region. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, hopeful life!

Location: Sohana Hospital

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