A (positron emission tomography) aka PET scan is an imaging test offered at Hollywood Diagnosticss Center that uses radioactive glucose to detect where cancer cells may be located in the body. Since these cancer cells intake more glucose than normal cells, injecting glucose into a vein and viewing the computerized image on a scan can reveal where the glucose concentrations are, revealing cancerous cells within the body.
Cancer tests like PET scans cause anxiety. But learning the benefits and the risks along with why these tests are recommended can help you make informed decisions and hopefully relieve concerns. Before recommending a PET scan, your doctor may do a physical exam and ask about your family’s medical history. Additionally, lab tests of your blood, urine, or other bodily fluids may be ordered.
Your doctor may recommend a PET scan if cancer is suspected through other imaging tests that include MRIs and CT Scans.
Radiotracers concentrate in tumors or areas of the body that are inflamed and don’t always clearly show that this tissue is cancerous since the inflammation may be caused by something other than cancer. However, PET scans reveal possible cancerous areas earlier than other forms of testing can, making them very valuable for early detection and treatment.
If a cancer diagnosis is given, PET scans may be recommended throughout treatment to see that treatment it is working and to assess the likely outcome of the disease.
After cancer treatment, PET scans can be used to check for cancer recurrence as they can help diagnose new or recurrent cancer.
Additionally, other tests will be necessary to determine whether an area with a lot of radioactive activity is malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). If your results are inconclusive, your doctor will order further tests and care options.
PET scans can be used to determine how much cancer is in a person’s body and how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Since PET scans can detect more cancerous sites than CT scans alone, they are often used in the initial staging and follow-up testing to see if and how the cancer is spreading. PET scan results may lead to changes in your treatment plan.
The benefits of PET scans for cancer outweigh the potential risks. The benefits include: early detection, accurate diagnosis, a customized treatment plan, and detailed images are not available with other tests.
If you live in South Florida, or specifically the city of Hollywood, and are in need of a PET Scan, or any medical imaging, then call the Hollywood Diagnosticss Center today! Medical professionals are ready to assist you with all of the tests and procedures that you need to get your health in order. All of the staff is friendly and ready to answer any questions you have regarding any medical imaging technologies and procedures. Call the Hollywood Diagnostics Center at Phone: (954) 966-3600 today!