Pet CT Scan-whole Body Fdg Pet Scan

A PET CT scan (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography) is a powerful imaging technique that combines two advanced scans—PET and CT—into one procedure, providing highly detailed and functional information about the body.

• PET Scan: This part of the scan involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer into the body. The tracer is absorbed by the cells, and the PET scanner detects radiation emitted by the tracer to create images showing the metabolic activity of tissues and organs. PET scans are particularly useful for detecting cancer, assessing how well cancer treatments are working, and identifying areas of abnormal brain or heart function.

• CT Scan: The CT component uses X-rays to take detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures, helping to localize and pinpoint the area of abnormality.

By combining these two technologies, a PET CT scan provides detailed anatomical and functional images that allow doctors to assess not only the size and shape of a tumor or abnormality (from the CT part) but also how active it is metabolically (from the PET part). This makes PET CT scans extremely valuable in cancer detection, staging, and monitoring treatment effectiveness, as well as in cardiac and neurological evaluations. The procedure involves a small amount of radiation but is generally safe and offers precise diagnostic information.