What is a PET/CT Scan or a Fusion Scan?
A PET/CT scan combines PET and CAT scan (also known as CT) into one image. PET is very good at determining whether or not a tumor is malignant through its metabolic activity.
The technique of the CT scan uses x-rays to make cross-sectional images (called slices) of your body. The structure of body organs is more clearly visualized than with conventional x-rays. “Fusion” means that the anatomical information obtained from CAT is combined with the biological PET information to form an image that records living tissues and life processes with great precision and detail.
What is the Benefit of having a PET/CT Scan Performed?
The PET/CT scan is a powerful tool used by doctors when evaluating patients who may or may not have cancer. It allows them to effectively diagnose and evaluate the cancer and whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body. It is often used to measure the response of a tumor to therapy, which ultimately guides therapeutic decisions. PET-CT is also used to direct or guide biopsies and surgeries as well as focusing radiation treatments. This scan essentially can be thought of as a tool that helps doctors see the whole picture because it gives them a better, more complete picture of his or her patient.