What Is A PET Scan And What Is It Used For? (Updated In 2024)

In modern medicine, imaging scans are important tools for health screening, diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions. Many different types of imaging scans are available, including CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans. In this article, we will explore what a PET scan is, compare it to CT and MRI scans, and explain why they are often used together.

What Is A PET Scan?

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans detect metabolic activity in the body to identify medical conditions, such as cancer. The tracer used is typically a type of sugar molecule such as glucose. It is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. Cells with high metabolic activity, such as cancer cells, absorbs the tracer. The absorbed tracer emits positrons. These positrons interact with electrons in the body to produce gamma rays which are then detected by the PET scanner. The scanner is then able to produce images of the body based on the distribution of the tracer.

The next question to answer would be what is a PET scan used for? Pet scans are useful for detecting cancer. This is because as cancer cells have a high metabolic rate and tend to absorb more tracer than healthy cells. PET scans can thus help to show where the cancerous cells are, and also the extent of their spread. PET scans can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment, since they can show whether cancer cells are responding to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Which Types Of Cancer And Diseases Are PET Scans Used To Detect?

PET scans can be used to detect a wide variety of cancers, including lung, breast, colon, prostate, and lymphoma. PET scans may be used to identify cancer in its early stages, before it has spread to other parts of the body.

Other uses of PET scans include diagnose of other medical conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or heart diseases.

Vizamyl: A Specialised PET Scan For Alzheimer’s Disease

Vizamyl is a radiopharmaceutical used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, specifically designed for detecting amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This diagnostic tool helps assess patients with cognitive impairment, providing critical insights into the presence of these plaques.

Vizamyl contains Flutemetamol F-18, which enables the imaging of beta-amyloid neuritic plaques in the brain through PET scans, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Comparing PET Scans To CT And MRI Scans

While PET scans have many benefits, they are not always the best option for every situation. CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans are two other types of imaging tests that are commonly used for screening and diagnostic purposes.

CT Scans

A CT scan uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. They are often used to diagnose conditions such as fractures, tumours, and infections. CT scans are generally quicker and less expensive than MRI or PET scans, but they also expose patients to radiation.

MRI Scans

An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. They are often used to diagnose conditions such as brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as joint and muscle problems. MRI scans do not expose patients to radiation, but they can be more time-consuming and expensive than CT or PET scans.

Using PET, CT, And MRI Scans Together

These imaging technologies are often used together to provide a more complete picture of a patient’s condition. For example, a doctor may use a PET scan to identify a potential area of cancer, and then follow up with a CT or MRI scan to get a better look at the affected tissue.

Combining these different types of imaging tests allows doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and develop better treatment plans. This is particularly important in cases where early detection is key, such as in the case of cancer.

Differences Between PET And PET/CT

PET Scan

• Technology – A standalone imaging technique that focuses solely on metabolic activity.
• Imaging Output – Produces images that highlight areas of high metabolic activity, indicating potential abnormalities such as tumours.
• Use Cases – Primarily used for cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment efficacy, as well as for neurological and cardiac evaluations.

PET/CT Scan

• Technology – Combines PET with Computed Tomography (CT) in one session.
• Imaging Output – Provides both functional (metabolic) and anatomical (structural) information in a single image. This dual approach allows for more precise localisation of abnormalities.
• Use Cases: Offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities by allowing physicians to correlate metabolic data with anatomical structures, improving the accuracy of cancer staging and treatment planning.

In summary, while both PET and PET/CT scans are valuable diagnostic tools, the PET/CT scan provides a more comprehensive view by integrating metabolic and structural information, which can significantly aid in clinical decision-making.

What Is The Cost Of A PET-CT Scan In Singapore?

The cost of a PET-CT scan (i.e. a PET scan done in combination with a CT scan) in Singapore will depend on the choice of hospital and whether a contrast dye is used. Private healthcare providers may charge from around S$2,500 onwards for a scan from the head to the mid-thigh.

Below is a ballpark table:

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