PET-CT has revolutionized cancer care, providing detailed information for: diagnosis, planning surgery, treatment and monitoring treatment and aftercare. With PET-CT, doctors can detect tumors nearly three times smaller than masses visible on traditional scans. It enables them to better determine whether a mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous).

What doctors see in a PET-CT image that distinguishes cancer from healthy tissue is the accumulation of a mildly radioactive substance, injected prior to the exam, called a radiotracer in the cancerous tissue. Most radiotracers are glucose (sugar) based. Cancerous cells and tumors absorb, accumulate and metabolize sugar faster than healthy tissue and appear as bright spots on the scan. Basically, PET-CT captures a picture of the biochemical activity occurring within a tumor or in cancerous tissue and reveals the size, shape and location of a suspicious mass.

Safety

The radiation exposure of PET-CT scanning is very low, exposing patients to no more radiation than some x-ray procedures. Tracers have been routinely used for decades without negative reactions or serious side effects. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are cautioned and advised to talk with their doctor or medical professional before having a PET-CT test, as radioactivity can pass from mother to developing fetus or to nursing infants through breast milk. After the exam, the radioactivity dissipates quickly and leaves no detectable trace after 24 hours.

Extra care and planning are also required for patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), because of the sugar-based radiotracer. These conditions don't necessarily exclude patients from having a PET-CT scan, however, they do require special consideration and individualized instruction.

In addition to the radiotracer, some procedures may require the use of contrast agents. Allergic reactions to contrast agents are infrequent and are generally mild, usually hives and itchiness. On rare occasions, allergic reactions can be serious. Patients with a history of heart problems, diabetes or kidney disease should tell their doctors. Also inform your doctor about any allergies you may have, especially if you have had a prior allergic reaction to contrast agents.

Results

Once obtained, your PET-CT image remains an electronic file. Florida Hospital has the most sophisticated network, viewing stations and software for processing, transmitting, reviewing and storing these electronic images.

One of our physicians, a specialist in nuclear medicine, will examine and interpret the scan and create a report of his/her findings that will be sent to the referring physician. The referring physician will present the results and discuss them with the patient.