CT Scan vs. PET Scan

CT scans provide clear images of bones and can detect abnormalities in soft tissues; PET scans provide images of biological processes within the body. Think of it as CT scans show the structures, while PET scans show how the organs and tissues within the structures work.

1. Which is better PET scan or CT scan?
2. Is a PET scan more accurate than a CT scan?
3. What does a PET scan show that a CT scan doesn t?
4. Do all cancers show up on PET scan?
5. What cancers do not show up on a PET scan?
6. What are the disadvantages of a PET scan?
7. How long does a PET scan take for results?
8. Do benign tumors show up on PET scans?
9. Is a PET scan worth it?
10. How small of a tumor can a PET scan detect?
11. Is a PET scan claustrophobic?
12. How many PET scans can you have in a year?

Which is better PET scan or CT scan?

A CT scan shows detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body. A PET scan can find abnormal activity and it can be more sensitive than other imaging tests. It may also show changes to your body sooner. Doctors use PET-CT scans to provide more information about the cancer.

Is a PET scan more accurate than a CT scan?

PET/CT scans provide significantly more information than CT scans, and are far more reliable when diagnosing cancer. ... PET/CT, which is a combination of positron emission tomography (PET) with computerized tomography (CT), is a powerful, essential tool for cancer detection and diagnosis.

What does a PET scan show that a CT scan doesn t?

PET scans show metabolic changes occurring at the cellular level in an organ or tissue. This is important because disease often begins at the cellular level. CT scans and MRIs can't reveal problems at the cellular level. PET scans can detect very early changes in your cells.

Do all cancers show up on PET scan?

Not all cancers show up on a PET scan. PET scan results are often used with other imaging and lab test results. Other tests are often needed to find out whether an area that collected a lot of radioactive material is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

What cancers do not show up on a PET scan?

On the other hand, tumors with low glycolytic activity such as adenomas, bronchioloalveolar carcinomas, carcinoid tumors, low grade lymphomas and small sized tumors have revealed false negative findings on PET scan.

What are the disadvantages of a PET scan?

For your PET scan, a radioactive drug (tracer) will be put into your body. Because the amount of radiation you're exposed to is small, the risk of negative effects from it is low. But the tracer might: Cause a major allergic reaction, in rare instances.

How long does a PET scan take for results?

When should I get my test results? A radiologist with specialized training in PET scans will review the images, write a report and send it to your healthcare provider. This process usually takes 24 hours.

Do benign tumors show up on PET scans?

A PET/CT test helps diagnose cancer and gives more information, including whether a tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), whether the cancer cells are active or dead, and how well the cancer is responding to treatment. It is important to remember that a PET scan can show many things.

Is a PET scan worth it?

A PET or PET-CT scan may be helpful if your doctor suspects your cancer has returned, based on your symptoms, a physical exam, or other tests. A scan may also be recommended if you were treated for advanced cancer and your doctor needs to find out if your most recent treatment was effective.

How small of a tumor can a PET scan detect?

Modern clinical PET scanners have a resolution limit of 4 mm, corresponding to the detection of tumors with a volume of 0.2 ml (7 mm diameter) in 5:1 T/B ratio. It is also possible to obtain better resolution limits with dedicated brain and animal scanners.

Is a PET scan claustrophobic?

Medical procedures such as MRIs, PET scans and CT scans are frequent sources of claustrophobia. These types of tests enclose individuals in small quarters to obtain imaging for diagnostic and treatment purposes.

How many PET scans can you have in a year?

"With the CMS requirement that there be no more than three PET/CT scans covered after the first line of treatment, that's looking at it in a depersonalized way that may be harmful to patients on an individualized basis," Copeland says.