If we’re looking for What is the Role of PET CT Scan in Detecting Bone Cancer? Bone cancer refers to bone cells that have the ability to grow in an uncontrolled manner in their normal position or location or even migrate to other parts of the body. The former is primary bone cancer and the latter secondary or metastatic bone cancer. Bone cancer can weaken the bones and make them prone to fractures by decreasing bone strength and density.
Pronouncing PET CT Scan
PET CT scan is a sophisticated radiological examination, which is a combination of two examinations such as PET scan and CT scan. PET is the diagnostic test that makes use of radioactive tracers for the identification of abnormalities in the body utilizing radioactive glucose (FDG) for identifying cancer. Utilization of glucose decides whether the cells are cancerous or not.
Role of PET CT in Bone Cancer
PET CT scan is a highly effective method of detection of different cancers within the body at their nascent stages and bone cancer is not an exception. The diagnostic technology is highly advanced and utilized to find out different structural as well as metabolic alterations within the body. Below is the list of what PET CT can detect in bone cancer.
1. Aids to detect bone cancers early
PET CT scan can identify bone cancers very early even when the condition is not visible. This identifies the condition at the metabolic level and allows one to view the activity and physiological changes in the body’s bones.
2. Benign vs Malignant Lesions
PET CT can identify if the cancer is malignant or benign. There are several conditions that can be identified by PET CT scan and distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions will always assist to treat the right condition right.
3. Finding the Extent of Cancer Spread
PET CT is useful in establishing the extent of cancer spread within the body. This will assist in structuring the condition treatment and also assists in establishing the level of damage. Metastatic cancers are harmful and may spread to any area of the body. By identifying the cancer, we can do things to stop the further spread.
4. Assessing Treatment Outcomes
PET CT scan is used to evaluate the outcome of specific treatment – chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other, and PET CT can be very useful in understanding the effectiveness of the treatment given to treat a cancer diagnosis.
5. Determining Recurrence
PET CT is also useful in determining recurrence of the cancer diagnosis after treatment. Ongoing evaluation after treatment is important to monitor the cancer, and PET CT can be an effective tool to monitor recurrence after treatment.
Advantages of PET CT For Bone Cancer
There are many advantages to performing PET CT scan for bone cancer and these advantages include:
- Very accurate in detecting the bone cancer
- Helps in detection of bone cancer early
- Helps to tailor treatment and achieve optimal results
- Can avoid unnecessary surgeries
- Helps to detect hidden lesions
- Helps to detect recurrence of cancer
Limitations of PET CT
There are many limitations of PET CT scan with the following:
- Cancers with extremely low metabolic activity
- Infectious lesions that can resemble cancers
- Exposure to radiation
- The test is costly compared to other tests such as MRI and CT
- There is limited access to test facilities
Conclusion
Bone cancer is a medical condition characterized by uncontrolled cell growth resulting in the development of tumors. Depending on the type of cancer, these tumors can be malign or benign. It is important to detect cancer early for the early detection of abnormalities. What is the Role of PET CT Scan in Detecting Bone Cancer? There are many tests to detect abnormalities, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET CT scan. The PET CT scan is advanced and is the most effective test for the detection of early cancers in the body. There are also many benefits of this test that cannot be provided by other diagnostic tests to detect abnormalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why opt for a PET CT in bone cancer?
PET CT is a state-of-the-art test that is used as early detection for bone cancer and to provide diagnosis to the patient.
Q. When should a patient obtain a bone PET CT scan?
When a patient feels any type of abnormality in their bones, bone PET CT can be used to help with imaging.
Q. What are the advantages of a bone PET CT scan?
Bone PET CT can be useful in diagnosing early cancers, personalizing the treatment, and seeing the treatment effect.
Q. What are the limitations of PET CT in bone cancer?
PET CT is limited because it uses radiation to obtain bone cancer examinations, the exam is not widely available, and is more expensive than MRI and CT examinations.
Q. Where in Delhi NCR can many patients get a PET CT bone scan?
Patients can get a PET CT scan at Ganesh Diagnostic Center.
