Differences Between a PET Scan and a CT Scan

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Differences Between a PET Scan and a CT Scan
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By Vikki Harmonay
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Whats the best imaging technique to look for
cancer and its spread? A positron emission
tomography (PET) scan is best. Cancer cells grow
quickly, taking up larger amounts of sugar or
glucose than normal cells. In order to see
cancer and its growth, a patient will either
drink or be injected with a sugary tracer before
the PET Scan. The PET Scanner will then trace
this form or radioactive sugar as it is absorbed
by the bodys cells. The scanning process is
fairly simple a patient rests on a table and
slides into a large scanner thats tunnel-shaped.
Its an outpatient procedure that is painless.
The length of time for the scan varies depending
upon which part of the patients body is being
evaluated.
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The Difference Between a PET Scan and a CT Scan
The main difference between PET and CT scans is
the technology used to create the images. PET
scans use a radioactive tracer to detect
metabolic activity, while CT scans use X-rays to
create detailed images of the bodys anatomy.
During a CT scan, the patient lies on a table
that moves through a donut-shaped machine that
takes X-ray images from different angles. These
images are then combined by a computer to create
detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT
scans are particularly useful for detecting
abnormalities in the bones and soft tissues, as
well as for guiding procedures like biopsies and
surgeries.
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A combination of PET and CT imaging can reveal
information about both the function (PET) and
structure (CT) of cells and tissues in the body
in a single imaging session. This combination
scan enables physicians to examine medical
conditions and abnormalities at a cellular
level. During a PET/CT scan, a patient will
receive an injection of a radioactive tracer,
which is absorbed by specific tissues like areas
of inflammation or cancer cells. The tracer emits
positrons, which collide with electrons in the
body, producing gamma rays that are detected by
the PET scanner.
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The CT scanner uses X-rays to produce details
images of a bodys anatomy. A computer combines
the PET and CT images to provide a highly
detailed picture of the bodys metabolic and
anatomical features. A PET/CT scan provides
several advantages over traditional PET scans or
CT scans alone. It provides better accuracy in
detecting cancer, better localization of lesions
and more precise staging of cancer. It also
allows for more efficient diagnosis and treatment
planning. However, PET/CT scans do involve
exposure to ionizing radiation, which can be a
concern for some patients. Its also possible to
have an allergic reaction to the radio-tracer or
to experienced minor pain. Some procedures
require a catheter to be placed in the patients
bladder, which can cause temporary discomfort.
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What Is a PET/MRI?
A PET/MRI scan is a hybrid imaging technique that
combines the metabolic information from a PET
Scan with the detailed anatomical information
from an MRI scan. This type of scan provides
highly detailed images of the body, allowing
physicians to diagnose and monitor a wide range
of conditions, including neurological disorders,
cancer and heart disease. It shows soft tissue
more clearly, so its easier to identify soft
tissue cancers in the legs, pelvis, arms and
upper body.
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Talk To An Expert
Are you looking for a new CT Scanner, PET Scanner
or MRI Scanner? Talk to the experts at Atlantis
Worldwide. For more than 30 years, clients have
found ideal medical imaging solutions to fit
their needs and budgets by purchasing used or
refurbished medical imaging equipment. Find out
if this could be the right solution for
you. Contact Us Today!
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