What is PET-CT?

PET-CT is an imaging device consisting of a combination of pet (Positron Emission Graph) and CT (Computed Tomography) devices. It gives a 3-dimensional view of our organs and anatomical information.
The points where it differs from other radiological imaging are the use of radioactive substances that can emit positrons during the procedure and the understanding of the metabolic properties that are desired to be observed with these substances.

The most frequently used field is oncological diseases, from the initial diagnosis of cancer to the later stages, from determining its prevalence, evaluating its response to treatment, determining how dense the treatment to be given, living cancer cells are, and thus planning the most Accurate treatment for the patient, it is easily done in all oncological patients.

What Is PET-CT Used For?

breast cancer
Lymph Cancer
lung cancer
skin cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Head and Neck Cancers
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
Food Pipe Cancer
pancreatic cancer
blade cancer
Prostate Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Ovarian and Uterine Cancer
Brain Tumors

What Is PET-CT Used For?

Examination, diagnosis and determination of stages of tissue with suspected cancer
Differentiation of benign / malignant lesions

Evaluation of the necessity of the treatment to be applied and the response to the treatment
Guidance in radiotherapy planning

Determining whether patients who will undergo bypass or stenting are suitable for the operation
To distinguish between scar tissue and living tumor tissue that develops after surgery or radiotherapy

What Is PET-CT Risk Status?

In pet scanning, the body will be exposed to radiation because of the administration of the radioactive drug. The allergy properties of the radioactive agents used are unknown.

PET/CT scanning is not recommended considering the benefit and harm rate for pregnant or pregnancy suspected patients.

The agent used in pet passes into a very small amount of milk and there is no need to discontinue breastfeeding. However, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers and infants discontinue close contact for 12 hours.

What Is the Preparation Process for PET-CT?

Beforehand, the healthcare professional should be informed about whether there is diabetes, blood pressure or pregnancy.

Patients with normal blood sugar value and not diagnosed with diabetes should not take liquid food other than solid food and water at least 4 hours before drug injection.

Patients with type 2 diabetes can take oral antidiabetic drugs.

Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes patients can eat breakfast early in the morning and administer insulin, which has a normal, rapid or short effect. Then he can't take any other solid or liquid food except water.

When you come to the clinic, if the blood glucose value is below 200 mg/dL, PET/CT study can be performed. If it is equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL, the study is postponed.

It is recommended that all patients drink a minimum of 2 liters of water starting 1-2 hours before the appointment time.

If oral contrast is required, the conditions of use in the PET/CT preparation form should be read and the drug should be used according to these instructions.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The radioactive material used is injected intravenously. After the injection, the patient is kept at rest in private rooms for 60 minutes. Screening can be started after this rest period.

The scanning area is the area of the body up to the upper part of the thigh, including the brain. The screening time may vary between 15-25 minutes depending on the length of the patient.

During the scan, it is important to be very still in terms of not blurring the images. After the procedure, the images are checked and additional images may need to be taken due to some circumstances. The specialist doctor interprets the images and prepares a report.