Difference Between PET CT and Ultrasound: Uses, Advantages & Cost
PET CT and Ultrasound scan are two imaging diagnostic procedures which are used to look for abnormality in the body. These procedures are non-inavasive, which doesnot include any surgical procedure. PET CT scan is more advanced comparing ultrasound because it uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormality. PET CT scan is expensive but more detailed and can detect the cancer at metabolic level. PET CT is advised when doctor suspects any cancer, to look for the effect of treatment and help to customize treatment for cancer condition. Ultrasound on other hand is simple, affordable and quick procedure that uses sound waves for the detection of abnormalities. Ultrasound machine has transducer, which produces sound waves which help to detect abnormality in the body. Ultrasound is more commonly used in pregnancy monitoring and other abnormalities like kidney stones, liver diseases, gallstones etc. Ultrasound is preferred test because it does not use any kind of radiation.
What is PET CT?
PET CT (Positron Emission Tomography) is very advanced diagnostic procedure that combines two procedures of PET and CT for the detection of abnormality. PET CT uses radioactive tracer, commonly used FDG for the detection of abnormality. The Procedure produces cross sectional images, which helps in easy and early detection of abnormalities in the body.
Common Uses of PET CT:
- Detecting and staging cancers.
- Monitoring response to cancer treatment.
- Identifying recurrence or spread of tumors.
- PET CT is helpful in heart diseases
- It helps to check blood flow within the heart and functions.
- PET CT is effective in detecting neurological abnormalities like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease etc.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves of high frequency for the detection of abnormalities in the body. Ultrasound is commonly referred as sonography which provides real time images of the body organs. Sound waves produced by transducer bounce back and help to make the real time images of the organs.
Common Uses of Ultrasound:
- It is used mostly to monitor pregnancy
- Used to monitor fetal development
- Helps to detect kidney stones
- Help to detect gall stones
- Help to evaluate heart functions
- Useful in identifying gallstones, liver diseases etc
- Can identify tumors
- Help to guide the surgical procedures
Differences between PET CT and Ultrasound
|
S. No |
Features |
PET CT scan |
Ultrasound |
|
1 |
Technology Used |
Combines radioactive tracer with CT imaging |
Sound waves for the real time image generation |
|
2 |
Type of Information |
Both functional and anatomical details |
Structural and motion based images |
|
3 |
Radiation |
Yes |
No |
|
4 |
Details of Imaging |
Highly detailed images |
Real time images with less detail |
|
5 |
Best suitable for |
Cancers, heart and neurological diseases |
Pregnancy, abdominal organs and fluid detection |
|
6 |
Time taken |
Around 1 to 2 hours |
Around 15 to 30 minutes |
|
7 |
Cost |
Very Expensive |
Affordable |
|
8 |
Portability and Availability |
Not portable, less availability |
Portable and widely available |
|
9 |
Safety Concern |
Radiation exposure not suitable for pregnant women |
No radiation exposure and is safe for pregnant women |
|
10 |
Real Time Imaging |
Provides static images with structural data |
Provides real time images with movement |
Advantages of PET CT
- Combines functional and anatomical imaging.
- PET CT is accurate in staging cancer.
- Helpful in detecting malignant and benign cancers.
- Helps to identify the spread of cancer
- Helpful in customizing and guiding treatments.
- Monitors effectiveness of ongoing cancer treatment.
- Helps to detect recurrence of the cancer
- PET CT is effective in detecting neurological abnormalities
- Helps to provide comprehensive body imaging through wider angles
- Reduces unnecessary invasive procedures.
Advantages of Ultrasound
- No radiation exposure
- Affordable and quick
- Widely available
- Portable and effective
- Provides real-time moving images
- Help to detect gallstones
- Help to guide surgical procedures
- USG is non-invasive and safe
- Safe for repeated use in chronic monitoring.
- Easily performed in outpatient or clinic settings.
Limitations of PET CT
- Expensive compared to ultrasound.
- Radiation exposure during the scan.
- Highly specialized scans and need trained doctors
- Cannot be used during pregnancy
- May not detect very small or low-metabolism tumors.
Limitations of Ultrasound
- Lower resolution compared to PET CT.
- Cannot provide metabolic information.
- Images may be unclear in obese patients.
- Operator-dependent; results may vary based on technician’s expertise.
- Limited in assessing deep or complex internal structures.
When Doctors Recommend PET CT
- To detect, stage, or monitor cancer.
- To evaluate treatment effectiveness in oncology.
- To check recurrence of cancer.
- To study brain and neurological diseases.
- To detect the flow of blood and helpful in detecting heart muscle abnormalities.
When Doctors Recommend Ultrasound
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Fetal development
- Helpful in evaluating abdominal organs like liver, kidney, pancreas etc.
- To detect gallstones or kidney stones.
- Assess blood flow and help before surgical procedures
List of PET CT scans and Ultrasound scans available at Ganesh Diagnostic Center
PET CT Scans
- DOTA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- PSMA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- Brain PET CT scan (Book Now)
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET CT scan (Book Now)
- FDG-PET scan (Book Now)
Click Here for the list of all Types of PET CT scan
Ultrasound Scans
- Ultrasound Chest (Book Now)
- Ultrasound TVS (Book Now)
- Ultrasound Prostate (Book Now)
- Ultrasound Abdomen (Book Now)
- Ultrasound Testis (Book Now)
Click Here to any type of Ultrasound Scan
Conclusion
PET CT scan is more advanced and detailed diagnostic procedure comparing other procedure like ultrasound, CT and MRI. Ultrasound uses sound waves for the detection of abnormalities in the body and provides real time pictures of organs in motion. Ultrasound is more affordable and widely used comparing PET CT. There are various advantages and limitations of both these diagnostic procedures and doctor will recommend the procedure after knowing the history and symptoms of the condition. PET CT is used for cancer conditions like stage, spread, effect of treatment etc. Ultrasound is more commonly used during pregnancy and to monitor growth of fetus. This is also used to look for abnormalities in abdominal organs.
