Role of PSMA PET Scan Prostate cancer cells have great levels of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). It can be easily detected, hence it is used as an indicator of prostate cancer. Prostate-specific membrane antigen – Positron Emission Tomography-Computed tomography (PSMA- PET Scan) imaging scan is the most sensitive scan available for the detection of prostate…
What is a Pet CT Scan? PET Scan is the most effective and specific method that mixes positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) techniques. PET scans degree mobile uptake of tracers, while CT scans offer a clean photo of the body`s inner structure. Abnormal mobile uptake of this radiotracer is indicative of an ailment…
Millions of people undergo imaging tests every year. Innovations in diagnostic imaging like CT Scan, PET Scan, and MRI have significantly improved the ability to diagnose cancer, track its progression in the human body and assess the efficacy of treatment. This painless, non-invasive method aids the physician to understand the complications in the human body and enables them to make better decisions. The procedures provide a window to the body’s anatomical structures without the need for an incision.
About CT Scan
Over the last decade, CT scan has been increasingly used for the early detection of cancers and to determine the shape, size, and location of the tumor. CT scan is a state-of-the-art imaging technique that provides the image of your bones, organs, and soft tissues in a transverse anatomical plane.
CT scan uses X-rays to take a series of pictures from different angles and combines them to create a single, With advanced technology, the current scanner has the power to produce a 3D or contrast image of an object inside the body. The technology uses 3D imaging modalities to provide enriched images for viewing and inspecting internal body structures.
When a CT scan is executed along with a PET Scan as a part of the same diagnostic workup, it is termed PET-CT fusion imaging. It uniquely combines the functional information from the PET CT with anatomical information obtained from the CT. Fusion imaging with a CT scan thus helps to localize the functional abnormality and also characterize the lesion based on biochemical changes at the molecular level. These combined features increase the sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy when compared with PET and CT alone.
Benefits of PET Scan over CT scan
- The combination of modalities provides a level of diagnostic superiority over the two scans performed separately
- Combined scans allow clinicians to achieve double clarity in diagnosis
- Detects cancer at an early stage before it is visible with other imaging tools
- Conveniently reduce the number of scanning sessions that a patient must endure
- Painless procedure that evaluates both anatomical and metabolic function
- Excellent diagnostic procedure to differentiate recurrent disease from post-treatment changes
Looking For CT Scan ?
PET Scan preparation Make sure that your doctor gets the right information, it is essential to prepare for your PET scan. When you schedule a PET Scan, remember that you will be informed about the different precautions and preparation tips that need to be taken before the examination. Following these points will ensure an untroubled…
PET Scan For Brain A brain PET Scan is a nuclear imaging technique used by doctors to see how your brain is functioning. This scan captures images of the activity of your brain after a glucose-tagged radioactive tracer has been absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose acts as fuel to the brain. Compared to the inactive…
Advantages of PET Scan A full-body PET Scan is the most trending preventive diagnostic tool that apparently tells you what is happening in your body from brain to toe and aids in detecting diseases like cancer when it is still curable. Of all the internal imaging technologies used in getting a full-body scan, PET Scans…
Diet Before Pet Scan The accuracy of the test depends on the type of diet maintained 24 hours prior. However, It is not necessary to stay hungry before a PET scan. You can always eat food that is rich in protein. A high protein, low carbohydrate diet makes certain that the glucose level in your…
How PET Scan Work You may be interested in how PET Scan work and what the mechanism behind the images we get is. Before the scan, you will be given an injection called a radiopharmaceutical. It attaches to chemicals that are naturally used in the metabolic processes of organs and tissues. Therefore, the cells of…
Managing Claustrophobia during the Scan Sometimes a PET-CT or CT Scan cannot be avoided, but the thoughts of lying in a giant tube for a long time and having a full-blown anxiety attack are too much to bear if you have claustrophobia. Claustrophobia is the fear of dark or confined spaces, also explained as the fear of feeling…
What should you eat before your PET-CT Scan?
An inappropriate diet can affect the body’s glucose levels resulting in inaccurate results, eating just before the PET-CT scan is not recommended. PET-CT is an advanced nuclear medicine technique that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT Scan).
PET gives functional status and CT provides us with the structural status of the organ or tissue to obtain high-resolution imaging for accurate disease assessment and treatment. Radioactive tracers such as ¹⁸ F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) and ¹⁸F-Sodium Fluoride (¹⁸F-NaF) are either administered intravenously or taken orally, to pinpoint the changes in tissues and organs at a molecular level.
What should you eat before your PET-CT Scan You can consume the prescribed diet mentioned below, 24 hours prior to your visit to the PET-CT scan center.
- Consume a protein-rich and low-carbohydrate diet. The diet that can be followed is listed below
- Protein-rich diet: Meat, chicken, fish, shellfish, crab, nuts, sunflower seeds, and eggs
- Non-starchy vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and mushrooms
- Beverages: Diet soda and zero-calorie drinks
- Drink ample amount of water to stay hydrated
- Avoid intake of the food mentioned below before the PET-CT scan
- Cereals
- Pasta
- Dry beans
- Fruit and fruit juices
- Sugar, honey, desserts, or candy
- Starchy vegetables such as peas, corn, potatoes
- Alcohol, beer, wine
- Nutritional shakes or smoothies
- Bread
- Rice
- Jams and jellies
- Syrups and Ketchup
- Milk or milk products
- High caffeine food like coffee or tea
- Chewing gum, mints, or tobacco products
- Consumption of any eatables or juices 6 hours before your scheduled appointment is strictly prohibited
Please Note – Preparation time and diet may vary depending on what the PET-CT scan is taken for. Consult a physician for relevant preparation tips.