What is a PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography)? Let's learn about it simply!

Your doctor may have advised you to have a PET scan. Some people are a little scared of the word 'scan' when they say that. But it's really nothing to be afraid of. This is a very advanced technology that helps us see exactly what's going on inside our bodies and how diseases are progressing. Let's talk about what it is, how it's done, and whether we should be afraid of it.

What does a PET scan actually do?

Simply put, a PET scan is a special test that looks at how the organs and tissues of our body are working. It is different from an X-ray, CT or MRI scan, because other scans only show pictures of the inside of the body. However, a PET scan can also see how well our cells are working. Before doing this test, the doctor will inject a radioactive substance (called a `radiotracer` or `tracer`) into your body. This is like a special medicine. Don't be afraid, it won't harm the body. Then the PET scan machine can find out how this substance moves around the body and where it accumulates. If this substance accumulates in a certain place, it can be a sign of a disease. Think of this PET scan machine as a big donut. A bed moves in the middle of it. You are sent for the scan while lying on the bed. This machine is not completely enclosed like an MRI machine, so most people don't feel trapped.

What are the uses of a PET scan?

Doctors use a PET scan mainly to diagnose diseases, prepare for surgery, and see how well treatments are working. It is most commonly used for cancer, heart disease, and brain diseases.

For Cancer

Our body's cells need energy to function. Cancer cells are a type of cell that use more energy than normal cells. A PET scan can detect this high energy use. Then, in the scan image, the areas where the cancer cells are visible as bright spots . A PET scan can often detect cancer before other tests can. Also,

• See if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Find out if the current treatment is effective.
• Check to see if the cancer has come back after treatment.

For Heart Disease

A PET scan can show how well your heart is working. When the aforementioned `tracer` is injected into your body, it travels to your heart with your blood. The scan shows how much blood is getting to different parts of your heart. If a part isn't getting enough blood, it could indicate a problem, such as a blocked heart artery. It's also used to look at damage to the heart after a heart attack.

For Brain Conditions

PET scans can also help diagnose various brain-related conditions. For example:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson 's disease
• Huntington 's disease
• Epilepsy (`Seizures`)
• Strokes
• Brain tumors (tumors)

What is the difference between PET, CT, and MRI scans?

There is a lot of confusion among people about these three types of scans. Let's understand this difference in a simple table. For this reason, some doctors use hybrid scans called PET/CT or PET/MRI. These scans can look at both the structure and function of the body in a single scan, so the results are more accurate.

How do you prepare before the scan?

There are a few things you need to prepare for before a PET scan. Following these steps exactly is very important for accurate results.

First, tell your doctor these things:

• Allergies : Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies, especially to contrast dye, iodine , or seafood.
• Other medical conditions: If you have a medical condition such as diabetes , please inform us about it.
• Medications you take: Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take.

If you are a woman, be especially careful about this:

• If you are a breastfeeding mother: You will not be able to breastfeed your baby until the tracer has completely cleared from your body. Therefore, you will need to express your milk and remove it. Talk to your doctor to find out exactly how long you should avoid breastfeeding.
• If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant: This is very important . The radioactive material used in the scan can harm the baby. So inform your doctor about this and talk about the best option.

Things to follow the day before the scan:

• Do not engage in any strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test.
• Do not eat or drink anything other than water for a few hours before the test.
• Remove all metal jewelry from your body, such as earrings, necklaces, and rings.

How a PET scan is done

Although there are slight variations depending on where and why the scan is being done, it usually goes like this: 1. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown. 2. You will be given the opportunity to go to the bathroom before the scan. 3. Then a tracer will be injected into your body. This may be given as an injection, as a pill, or as a gas that you inhale. 4. You will have to wait 30 to 60 minutes for the tracer to be completely absorbed into your body. 5. You will then lie down on the bed of the scanner. Do not move or talk during the scan.You will need to remain very still. This can take about 30-60 minutes. You may hear buzzing and clicking sounds from the machine while the scan is being performed. This is a painless test. However, some people may experience pain in their body if they stay in the same position for a long time.

Are there any risks or side effects?

A PET scan is generally a very safe test, but there are some risks and discomforts that can occur.

• People with claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) may find it difficult to be inside the machine. However, your doctor can give you a medicine to keep you calm during such times.
• If a person with diabetes does not have their blood sugar levels under control, the test results may be inaccurate.
• There may be some pain or redness where the tracer was injected.
• Very rarely, allergic reactions to the tracer can occur, but they are usually mild.
• Again, a PET scan will not be performed on a pregnant or breastfeeding mother.

Let's know about the results.

When the results of the PET scan come back, areas of high cell activity appear as bright spots. This can be a sign of disease. However, it is important to note that a positive result on a PET scan does not always mean that there is cancer. It could also be an infection, inflammation, or a noncancerous lump. Also, if you have recently had surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, that can affect the results. So, don't be too anxious to get a complete picture of what the results mean when you get them. Your doctor will compare the results with other test reports, order more tests if necessary, and explain everything to you. PET scan, Positron Emission Tomography, Cancer, Heart Disease, Brain Disease, Medical Tests, CT Scan, MRI Scan, PET Scan