What is a PET/CT scan?

[kennymorris]

I had a CT scan a few weeks ago and the results did not pick anything up. I have now been asked to go for a PET/CT scan has anyone had one of these scans and what is the difference? does it show any better results?

[cathdw1]

Hi Kenny , i had a pet scan , it is a much more detailed scan that picks up cancer cells , you will have a small amount of radiation put into you and this will highlight any cancer cells in red . This is how they found my cancer in the pancreas , Cath x

[cathdw1]

I do hope that wont be the case for you Kenny , i was initially sent for one as they saw something on my lung , it turned out no red cells showed up on lung !

[kennymorris in reply to cathdw1]

Thank you cath I will keep you updated

[PCA_AliStunt Pancreatic Cancer Action]

Dear Kenny,

PET stands for positron emission tomography.

A PET scan will produce a three-dimensional, colour image of your body using radionuclides. The PET technology uses the radioisotope fluorine-18 in combination with glucose (together called FDG or fluorodeoxyglucose) - in essence this is a radioactive form of glucose. When FDG-18 is injected into your body it travels to places where glucose is used for energy. Cancer tumours over utilise glucose, and the PET scan identifies the metabolic difference between normal tissue and the tumour, thus identifying whether cancer is present.

A PET Scan for pancreatic cancer will show:

• Whether there is a tumour present in the pancreas

• Help identify what stage the cancer is at;

• Show whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body;

• Help your specialists decide on the best treatment for you;

• Show how well current treatment is working;

• Identify the difference between scar tissue and tissue that is cancerous.

Sometimes a CT scan can show that there may be cancer left after treatments such as chemotherapy. A PET scan can confirm whether or not it is active cancer or just fibrous tissue left over as a result of treatments.

There are usually no side effects from this type of scan and you can carry on your normal activities and diet etc afterwards. However, it can take up to an hour for the procedure, so be prepared for a little boredom - take along a book and an iPod.

Hope this helps,

Ali

[kennymorris]

Thank you for your reply and I will let you all know when I have the date for the scan

Thanks again