Is a PET CT Scan Right For You? Here’s The Truth
Positron Emission Tomography, or PET, is a form of medical imaging technology in which radioactive materials are used in small amounts to produce detailed pictures of the internal organs and tissues and locate various abnormalities or cancer cells inside the body. However, patients have often reported feeling nervous about undergoing the procedure, believing the scan will cause them physical harm.
Are you searching for “PET scan near me”, but not sure what it’s all about? Read on to learn more about this imaging technology.
Who is a Good Candidate for a PET scan?
With the help of PET scan imaging near me, doctors can detect brain disease, heart disease, cancer, and abnormalities in blood flow in your body. You may require a scan if:
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Your doctor has advised you to undergo the scan periodically until a positive bone scan or mammography result is obtained. This is more likely if you have a greater likelihood of developing cancer.
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Patients with diabetes mellitus or any metabolic syndrome need to be screened annually for live diseases using an ultrasound of their pelvis and abdominal areas. This scan is useful in finding tumours or gallstones around the liver. Early detection helps eliminate these tumours medically while leaving them untreated for too long could require surgical removal in the future.
Wondering “How It’s Like to Undergo a CT PET Scan Near Me”?
A PET CT scan near me is very similar to a traditional CT scan. You will be administered a contrast agent before lying down on the CT table. After that, a technician will either run a scan of your whole body or a specific area to generate images from different positions and angles. You may feel a little uncomfortable during this stage, but rest assured, it does not hurt even a little bit!
What Are The Potential Side Effects?
You may have heard a lot of negative things about PET CT scans, especially around the use of radioactive materials. However, the dangers of undergoing the scan are negligible. Not experiencing the scan and leaving potentially dangerous symptoms unattended is more likely to cause damage than the procedure itself.
A CT PET scan near me involves a lot of technological jargon and may sound like something straight out of science fiction, but that is where the complexities end. The procedure is safe and does not have any potential side effects. However, certain people are not advised to undergo the scan.
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Radiation used in a PET CT can be harmful to developing babies, so you are advised to avoid undergoing the scan if you suspect possible pregnancy.
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If you must undergo the PET CT, pump and store breast milk before the test. You will be asked to refrain from breastfeeding for at least 24 hours after the scan.
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If you are allergic to sugar substitutes or iodine, inform your physician. To avoid allergies, you may be administered a diluted barium compound as an alternative to the iodine normally used in the contrast material.
There may be some swelling and bruising at the site where the trace compound is injected. However, this is usually mild and subsides soon.
Quadra Brings Affordable PET Scan Near You
While there are no real risks or side effects to undergoing a PET CT scan, you must remember that this is a medical procedure. So, as a patient, you will need to keep some precautionary measures in mind, and your doctor can suitably guide you on the same.
Quadra Diagnostics is a leading diagnostic centre where you can find the best CT scan available near me. We have reputed and expert technicians and doctors who provide the highest standard of care to patients. Get in touch today to learn more about our affordable PET CT scan services.