Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive nuclear medicine diagnostic technique that works through radiotracers and allows a clearer view of different systems and organs of the human body. Usually, the PET/CT technique is used to determine the existence of malignant tumors, cancer in early, advanced, or recurrent stages, as well as to assess post-surgical success.
The radiotracer will allow, through the parallel use of a camera, to visualize and capture images of the affected tissues and organs. In addition, the images offered by PET can be superimposed and/or compared with those offered by computed tomography (CT), which will increase the possibilities of an even more precise diagnosis.
During the PET/CT scan:
This procedure will require you to lie down, relaxed and still. Trained ABC staff will inject you with the radiotracers, and you may be asked to ingest a contrast agent that will enhance the scan. Don’t worry, this procedure generally lasts a couple of hours maximum.
When the procedure is complete:
After the procedure, you may experience some nausea, headache, and fatigue, but you will be able to return to your daily activities that same day.
Your ABC doctor will review your results and interpret the information to guide you regarding treatment and possible follow-up tests.
Remember that at ABC Medical Center, doctors from different specialties work together to treat cancer, so a highly specialized team of surgeons, oncologists, and radiologist oncologists will treat you with the warmth and humane treatment that sets us apart.
Related centers and departments
Why choose ABC Medical Center?
Experience, state-of-the-art technology, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the level of the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for cancer patients.
In chemotherapy we include the most innovative therapies in comfortable facilities specially designed for your comfort and peace of mind.
In radiotherapy procedures, we provide you with evidence-based treatment plans discussed with experts from Houston Methodist Hospital, using state-of-the-art technological equipment in state-of-the-art facilities.
Fuentes:
- mayoclinic.org
- medlineplus.gov
- cancer.net
- medigraphic.com
- Beyer T, Townsend DW, Brun T, Kinahan PE, Charron M, Roddy R, et al. A combined PET/CT scanner for clinical oncology. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:1369-79.
- Bosch E. Sir Godfrey Newbold Hounsfield y la tomografía computada, su contribución a la medicina moderna. Rev Chil Radiol. 2004;10(4):183-5.
- Martí-Climent JM, García P, Serra JF, Boán JA, Richter JA. Tomografía por emisión de positrones con un equipo PET/TAC. Rev Esp Med Nucl. 2005;24(1):60-79. doi: 10.1157/13070362
