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PET-CT is an examination used to identify the extent of cancer among others. This examination helps us to investigate the extent of cancer cells very accurately, even on a cellular level.
In the beginning of the examination the patient is given intravenous radioactive tracer, which in most cases is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Glucose, i.e. the tracer with sugar, gravitates towards targets whose metabolism has increased, for example cancer cells.
The patient rests on a bed before and after the tracer is given, so that the muscle tension eases and the metabolism becomes steady, and the tracer containing glucose gravitates better towards those particular objects.
After having rested, the patient initially undergoes a low-dose computed tomography (CT), which enables us to form a precise anatomical image of the body. Subsequently, a positron emission tomography imaging, i.e. a PET scan, is performed, so that the tracer can be tracked in the patient's body. Finally, the computer combines the CT and PET scan images revealing precise information on the location of cancer cells within the body.
The entire examination takes about 2 to 3 hours. Before the examination, the patient is not allowed to eat and engage in physical activity. The patient is provided with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the examination.