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What is a PET scan and how do they differ from other scans?
PET, or positron emission tomography, scans are actually not new. The technology was developed in the early 70s, but recent developments have have resulted in PET's recognition as an invaluable clinical test for tumor imaging. The technology differs from other diagnostic imaging technologies in that PET scans can detect biochemical changes in the body -- often before there are physical changes. A color-coded, three-dimensional PET scan image can be used to localize normal and abnormal processes and provide clinicians with information about the tissue's biochemistry. Other imaging technologies, which can detect the physical presence of a tumor but cannot distinguish between malignant and benign tissue, are not able to determine these chemical changes. A PET scan begins with the injection of a radioactive sugar compound into the patient's vein. Because many cancers -- especially those that are fast-growing -- need sugar to grow, the radioactive particles in the compound go directly to the tumor. This allows the scan to detect even subtle changes in chemical activity. Except for a mild skin prick when the tracer compound is injected into the vein, a PET scan is non-invasive and painless. The actual study is done as an outpatient test that begins 45 minutes to an hour after the tracer is injected, enough time for the agent to accumulate in abnormal tissue. There are no side effects to the procedure, and the amount of radiation is well within safe limits. Scans can take as long as three hours, but the patient can go home and resume normal activities immediately afterward. Times and procedures may differ from institution to institution. |
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