PET-CT
PET-CT
Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET-CT) is a medical imaging technique that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) into one machine. Pronounced as /pɛt siː tiː/, the term PET-CT is derived from the Greek words 'positron', 'emission', 'tomography', and 'computed', which collectively refer to a method of imaging that involves the use of positrons and computation.
A PET-CT scan allows doctors to check for diseases in a patient's body and determine the exact location of the disease. It is commonly used in oncology, neurology, and cardiology to diagnose and monitor various conditions.
Procedure
During a PET-CT scan, a small amount of radioactive drug, or radiotracer, is injected into the patient's body. This radiotracer travels through the body and is absorbed by the organs and tissues. The PET-CT scanner then detects and records the energy given off by the radiotracer. The CT scan takes a series of X-ray images from different angles around the body. The computer combines these images to create a detailed, cross-sectional view of the inside of the body.
Uses
PET-CT scans are used to:
- Detect cancer and monitor its progression
- Evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatments
- Detect the recurrence of cancer
- Diagnose neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease
- Assess heart function and detect coronary artery disease
Risks
Like all medical procedures, PET-CT scans carry some risks, including exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation is small and the benefits of the scan usually outweigh the risks.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on PET-CT
- Wikipedia's article - PET-CT
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