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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging test to determine how organs, tissues, and other structures function. In contrast to other tests for imaging such as X-rays CT or MRI that show structural changes within the human body, PET is used to identify physiological and metabolic changes. The uses of PET scans include examining brain function, diagnosing cancer, heart conditions, and brain diseases, checking blood flow through the heart and the spread of cancer and the response to treatment.
The use of PET scans can help doctors in determining the presence and position of cancerous cells. PET scans are similar to CT scans. However, PET scans may detect cancer cells that are alive.
Before having a PET scan, the patient receives the injection that has a sugar type bonded to a radioactive isotope. The cancerous cell takes the sugar as well as the attached isotope that emits positively charged, low-energy radiation (positrons). These positrons interact with electrons present in cancerous cells, which trigger the emission of gamma radiation. The gamma radiations are identified through PET machines. PET devises and it converts the data into a visual picture. If there are no gamma rays found in the scan area, it is highly unlikely that the site that is being examined contains cancer cells. There are various Pet Scan Centre in Coimbatore, where you can undergo the PET scan.
How does PET work?
PET uses the scanning device (a machine that has a big opening in the center) to look for the photons (subatomic particles) released by a radionuclide within the tissue or organ being examined.
The radionuclides used for scans at pet scan hospital are created by attaching radioactive atom chemical substances utilized in the natural process of the specific organ or tissue in its metabolism. For instance, when it comes to PET scanning of the brain, it is possible to have a radioactive atom added to the sugar glucose (blood sugar) to form the radionuclide fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) since the brain relies on glucose to regulate its metabolic processes. FDG is extensively used for PET scanning.
Other substances could be utilized to conduct PET scanning, depending on the scan’s reason. If perfusion and blood flow of an organ or tissue is essential, radionuclide could be an element of radioactive oxygen carbon, nitrogen, or gallium.
The radionuclide is injected through an IV. Following that, the PET scanner gradually moves across the area of the body which is being examined. Positrons are produced due to the breaking down of radionuclides. Gamma rays, also known as annihilation photons, are produced when positrons collide with electrons. The scanner detects annihilated photons, which land at the detectors 180 degrees from each other. Computers analyze these radiations using gamma rays. It then uses that data to generate an image of the tissue or organ being studied. The amount of radionuclide within the tissue determines the brightness of the tissue in the picture, and it also determines the degree of tissue or organ function.
Why is a PET Scan Performed?
A PET scan is utilized to check the flow of blood and oxygen intake as well as the metabolism of tissues and organs. PET scans reveal problems on a cellular level, providing your physician with the most accurate analysis of the systemic illnesses that are complex. Common uses of PET scans include:
Cancer:
The cancer cells possess a greater metabolism rate than cells that are not cancerous. Due to this higher degree of chemical activity, cancer cells appear prominent in PET scans. Because of this, PET scans help find new or have recurred cancers. Reach out to the nuclear scan center to get yourself the right diagnosis of the condition.
Heart problems:
PET scans can reveal areas with decreased blood flow to the heart, and this is due to healthy heart tissue taking in more tracer than unhealthy tissue with reduced blood flow. Different shades and brightness levels in the scan will show different tissue function levels that will help your doctor and you decide the best path forward.
Brain disorders:
It is the primary brain’s fuel. When PET scans are performed, the tracers have been “attached” to various compounds, like glucose. The PET scan can determine which brain regions use glucose most efficiently by detecting radioactive glucose. PET scans can aid in diagnosing and managing various Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases. Consult the Top Hospitals In Coimbatore for PET scan.
During Scan Procedure
If you’re ready, you sit on a small cushioned table that can slide into the portion of the scanner which appears like a doughnut. During the scanning process, you should remain calm so that the images don’t get blurred. It will take around 30 to 45 minutes to finish a PET scan. The machine emits noises that sound like clicking and buzzing. The test is simple. If you’re scared of closed spaces, you might experience some anxiety within the examination. Ensure the technologist or nurse about the pressure that is causing discomfort. The doctor may prescribe you medication to ease your stress.
Is There Any Risk?
The PET scan uses radioactive tracers; however, the risk of being exposed to harmful radiation is very low. The radioactive tracer is usually connected to sugar glucose, making it simple for the body to flush out the tracer. It is possible to experience allergies to the tracer. Anyone hypersensitive to saccharin, aspartame, or iodine must be aware. Reach out to a nearby PET CT imaging center for the diagnosis. Radioactive substances will stay within your body for approximately 12 hours, it is best to avoid contact with both infants and pregnant women during this period. Consume plenty of water immediately following the test to flush the tracers from your body. Most tracers disappear from your body within two days.