PET Scan Lung Cancer

By getting a PET scan lung cancer is much easier to detect. Positron emission tomography, or PET scans, are very different from traditional CT scans and MRIs and provide their own unique kinds of information. When a person goes through a PET scan, a doctor is able to detect any biological changes within the body.

When cells change and grow, they use sugar in the body to help complete the growth process. When getting a PET scan, small amounts of radioactive sugar is injected into the body which then flows into the bloodstream. Since cancer cells grow so quickly, they eat up this sugar very rapidly. PET scans are able to see this happening and identify cancerous cells.

As the doctor uses a PET scan lung cancer is easily identified and, with the assistance of a CT scan, the doctor is able to tell what stage the cancer is at. This information is very important as it dictates what kind of treatment would be best. For example, when a PET scan shows the cancer in the lung has migrated to other parts of the body, doctors can rule out surgery as a possible treatment. This is especially important as the success of a treatment depends greatly on time and wasting time on unnecessary treatments can have serious consequences.

Getting a PET scan is relatively non invasive and takes about ninety minutes to complete. Prior to the test, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything four to six hours prior, except water. If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, it is important to let your physician know ahead of time. It is also important to let them know if you have diabetes as special accommodations will need to be made for you. With the availability of a PET scan lung cancer can now be easily detected so you can receive better treatment

PET Scan Lung Cancer

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