PET-CT is an imaging device consisting of the combination of PET (Positron Emission Graph) and CT (Computed Tomography) devices. It provides a 3D 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 intended to be observed with these substances. The area where it is most frequently used is oncological diseases. It can be easily performed on all oncological patients, from the first diagnosis of cancer to its advanced stages, determining its prevalence, evaluating its response to treatment, determining the density of live cancer cells in the treatment to be given, and thus planning the most appropriate treatment for the patient. . 

In Which Diseases Is PET-CT Used?

Breast cancer Lymph Cancer Lung Cancer Skin Cancer Thyroid Cancer Head and Neck Cancers Stomach Cancer Esophagus Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Bladder Cancer Prostate Cancer Cervical Cancer Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Brain Tumors For What Purposes Is PET-CT Used? Examination of tissue suspected of cancer, diagnosis and determination of its stages. 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 stent are suitable for the operation.

What is the Risk Status of PET-CT in distinguishing between scar tissue that develops after surgery or radiotherapy and live tumor tissue?

In a PET scan, the body will be exposed to radiation because radioactive medicine is administered.  The allergenic properties of the radioactive agents used are unknown. PET/CT scan is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant, considering the benefit and harm ratio. The agent used in PET passes into milk in very small amounts and there is no need to interrupt breastfeeding. However, it is recommended that close contact between breastfeeding mothers and the baby be stopped for 12 hours.

What is the Preparation Process for PET-CT?

Beforehand, the healthcare professional must be informed about whether there is diabetes, blood pressure or pregnancy. Patients with normal blood sugar levels and who have not been diagnosed with diabetes should not take any liquid food except solid food and water at least 4 hours before the drug injection. Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can take oral antidiabetic medications. Patients with Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes; He/she can have breakfast early in the morning and apply normal, rapid or short-acting insulin. Then he cannot take any other solid or liquid food except water. If your blood sugar level is below 200 mg/dL when you come to the clinic, a 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 their appointment time. If oral contrast must be used, the terms of use in the given PET/CT preparation form should be read and the drug should be used according to these instructions.

How is the Procedure Applied?

The radioactive material used is injected intravenously. After the injection, the patient is left to rest in private rooms for 60 minutes. After this rest period, the scanning process can begin.  The scanning area is the body area from the upper thigh to the upper thigh, including the brain. Scanning time is 15-25 minutes depending on the height of the patient. It may vary between . It is important to remain very still throughout the scan to avoid blurry 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.