PET-CT is an imaging device that combines PET (Positron Emission Graph) and CT (Computerized Tomography) devices. It gives a 3D view of our organs and anatomical information. The points where it differs from other radiological imagings are the use of radioactive materials that can emit positrons during the procedure and the understanding of the metabolic properties desired to be observed with these materials. The most frequently used area is oncological diseases, it is easily performed in all oncological patients, from the first diagnosis of cancer to its advanced stages, from determining its prevalence, evaluating the response to treatment, determining how dense the treatment to be given, live cancer cells are, 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 PET-CT Is Used? Examination, diagnosis and staging of the tissue suspected of cancer Discrimination of benign/malignant (benign/malignant) lesions Evaluation of the necessity of the treatment and the response to the treatment Guidance in radiotherapy planning Determination of the suitability of the patients to whom bypass or stent will be applied for the operation

What is the PET-CT Risk Status in differentiating the scar tissue developed after surgery or radiotherapy from the living tumor tissue?

In a PET scan, the body will be exposed to radiation as the radioactive drug is given. The allergic properties of the radioactive agents used are unknown. PET/CT is not recommended for pregnant or suspected pregnancy patients, considering the benefit and harm ratio. The agent used in PET passes into milk in very small amounts and breastfeeding does not need to be interrupted. However, it is recommended to cut off close contact of breastfeeding mothers and the baby for 12 hours.

What is the Preparation Process for PET-CT?

The healthcare professional should be informed beforehand about whether there is diabetes, blood pressure or pregnancy. Patients with normal blood sugar values ​​and who have not been diagnosed with diabetes should not take liquid food other than solid food and water at least 4 hours before the drug injection. Patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can take oral antidiabetic drugs. Patients with Type 1 or insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes; 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. When you come to the clinic, if the blood glucose value is below 200 mg/dL, a PET/CT study can be performed. If it is greater than or equal to 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 terms 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 applied?

The radioactive material used is injected intravenously. After the injection, the patient is kept in private rooms at rest for 60 minutes. After this rest period, the scanning process can be started. Scanning region is the body region up to the upper thigh, including the brain. Scanning time is 15-25 minutes depending on the patient's height. may vary between During the scan, it is important to stay quite still so that the images are not blurred. After the procedure, the images are checked and in some cases additional images may need to be taken. The specialist doctor prepares a report by interpreting the images.