PET Scan: What It Is, Types, Purpose, Procedure & Results

A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. It’s also known as positron emission tomography. A PET scan can be used to examine many parts of the body, including the brain, heart, and lungs. It’s often used to diagnose or monitor cancer. A PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to create more-detailed images.

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about PET scans, from what they are to how they work and what the results mean.

What is a PET Scan?

A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to show how your tissues and organs are functioning. The tracer is injected into your body and then travels through your bloodstream to the area being imaged.

When the tracer emits radiation, it is detected by a PET scanner, which produces images of the inside of your body. PET scans can be used to diagnose many conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.

PET scans are usually combined with CT scans or MRI scans to produce more detailed images.

How does a PET Scan work?

A PET scan is a diagnostic tool that uses nuclear medicine to produce three-dimensional images of the inside of the human body. The full name for this imaging modality is positron emission tomography, which refers to the use of a radioactive tracer to light up areas of the body where cells are actively growing.

When you undergo a PET scan, you will be injected with a small amount of radiopharmaceutical. This substance contains a radioactive isotope that emits positrons, particles with the same charge as an electron but with a different mass. The positrons travel through your body and collide with electrons, causing them to emit gamma rays.

The gamma rays are detected by sensors situated around you, and from this data, a computer generates images of the inside of your body. Active areas of cell growth show up as bright spots on the PET scan images.

What are the different types of PET Scans?

There are two main types of PET scans: whole-body and brain.

A whole-body PET scan is used to look for cancer anywhere in the body. It’s sometimes used to check for heart problems.

A brain PET scan is used to look for problems with the function of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a stroke.

What is the purpose of a PET Scan?

A PET scan is a radiologic test that uses special cameras and a radioactive tracer to show how your tissues and organs are functioning. The test can be used to diagnose problems in the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs.

A PET scan is usually done along with a CT scan (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This allows the doctor to see detailed pictures of your organs and structures inside your body.

When you have a PET scan in Mumbai, you will be asked to lie still on a table while the camera scans your body. The test takes about 30 minutes.

How is a PET Scan performed?

A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a type of imaging test that helps doctors check for certain conditions, such as cancer. The test itself is painless, but it does require the use of a small amount of radioactive material.

During the PET scan, you will be asked to lie still on a table while the camera moves around your body. The camera takes images of your organs and tissues, which are then sent to a computer for interpretation.

PET scans are used to detect cancer, heart problems, and neurological disorders. They can also be used to monitor the progress of certain treatments.

What are the results of a PET Scan?

A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure that uses a special camera to produce images of the body. The camera detects gamma rays emitted by a radioactive tracer, which is injected into the body. The tracer binds to specific molecules in the body, and the PET scan can show how these molecules are functioning.

The most common use of PET scans is to detect cancer. The tracer used in a PET scan can be either glucose or FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). Glucose is taken up by all cells in the body, but cancer cells take up more glucose than normal cells. FDG is similar to glucose, but it is more readily taken up by cancer cells.

PET scans can also be used to detect other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and epilepsy.

The results of a PET scan are presented as images that show how much radioactivity is present in different parts of the body. The images are interpreted by a doctor who specializes in nuclear medicine.

Conclusion

A PET scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that can provide your doctor with important information about your health. While it does involve some radiation exposure, the benefits of a PET scan often outweigh the risks. If you think you might benefit from a PET scan, visit to your best diagnostic center in Mumbai to see if it's right for you.