Positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging test used for early cancer diagnosis, tumor development verification, and metastasis. PET is able to show the functioning of the organism, thanks to the administration of a radioactive substance called carrier that, absorbed by the organism, emits radiation captured by the equipment and transformed into image.
The test is not a widespread pain, however, it can cause discomfort if the person is claustrophobic, as it is done on closed equipment. Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
- Positrona emission tomography is a test available for research.
- Diagnosis.
- And follow-up of lung.
- Colon.
- And rectal cancer.
- Such as lymphomas and immunoproliferative diseases.
- Such as multiple myeloma.
- Which is a disease of cells that blood proliferates and builds up in the bone marrow.
PET is a different diagnostic test than other imaging tests, such as CT and MRI, in fact, it allows you to visualize problems at the cellular level through radiation emission, you decide, you are able to determine metabolic activity. by early identification of cancer, for example.
In addition to the cancer identification application, PET can be used for the following purposes:
Positron emission tomography scans can also be used to determine diagnosis and prognosis, and to determine the likelihood of improving patient involvement.
Tests are performed orally, liquidly or directly intravenously, from a medium, which is normally marked by a radioactive substance. Because it brings glucose-containing risks to the sea, this test does not usually pose health risks as it is easily eliminated by the body. Support should be administered within 4 to 6 hours according to medical guidelines, and PET is performed after 1 hour to give time for the radioactive substance to be absorbed by the body, lasting approximately 1 hour.
PET has a body lesson, capturing the radiation emitted and forming images, in the study of tumor processes, for example, glucose consumption by cells is very important, because this energy source is necessary for cell differentiation. The image will have denser points from which the highest glucose consumption occurs and, therefore, the higher emission of radiation, which can characterize the tumor.
After reviewing it is important that the person drinks water so that the carrier is more easily removed. Similarly, there may be different allergy symptoms, such as redness in the area that has been injected by the carrier.
The test has no contraindications, it could even be performed in people with diabetes or kidney problems, however, in lactating women lactation is not recommended for this diagnostic examination, as a radioactive substance that could affect the baby is used.