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PET CT for Bone Cancer: A Complete Guide

PET CT for Bone Cancer: A Complete Guide

Bone cancer is the condition in which bone cells can divide in uncontrolled manner in their place or origin or spread to other parts of the body. The first is called primary bone cancer and the later is called secondary or...

Bone cancer is the condition in which bone cells can divide in uncontrolled manner in their place or origin or spread to other parts of the body. The first is called primary bone cancer and the later is called secondary or metastatic bone cancer. Bone cancer can make the bones fragile and easy to break by losing bone density and strength. It is very important to diagnose the cancer at the early stage for the treatment of the cancer condition. There are various tests used for the detection of this abnormality like CT, MRI, X-rays but PET CT scan is most advanced and effective test in detecting bone cancers at the early stage. This test helps to detect the condition in metabolic stage, when symptoms are not visible. In this blog, we will discuss how PET CT is very effective and step wise procedure for the testing procedure to detect bone cancer.

Understanding PET CT Scan

PET CT scan is advanced radiological test, which combines two tests like PET scan and CT scan.

  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is the diagnostic procedure which uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormalities in the body using radioactive glucose (FDG) for the detection of cancer. Consumption of glucose determines whether the cells are cancerous or not.
  • CT scan (Computed Tomography) uses technology  to create the images of this structure with shape and size to detect any variation from the normal.

Role of PET CT in Bone Cancer

PET CT scan is very effective tool in detecting various cancers in the body at early stages and bone cancer is no exception. This diagnostic tool is very advanced and used to look for various structural and metabolic changes in the body. Here is the list what PET CT is able to detect in bone cancer.

1. Helps to detect bone cancers early

PET CT scan has the ability to detect bone cancers very early even when symptoms are not visible. This helps to detect the condition at metabolic level and helps to see the activity and any physiological changes in the bones of the body.

2. Differentiating Between Benign and Malignant Lesions

PET CT is effective in determining whether the cancer is malignant or benign. There are various conditions which can be detected by PET CT scan and differentiating between benign and malignant lesions will always helps to get the treatment right for particular condition.

3. Determining the Extent of Cancer Spread

PET CT is helpful in determining the extent of cancer spread in the body. This will help in designing the condition treatment and also helps to determine the extent of damage. Metastatic cancers are dangerous and can spread to any part of the body. By designating the cancer, we can take measures to prevent the further spread.

4. Evaluating Treatment Response

PET CT scan is used to detect the response of treatment given to cancer condition. There are various treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and other conditions which can be given to the patient for treatment purpose. PET CT is very helpful in determing the effect of treatment given to cancer condition.

5. Detecting Recurrence

PET CT is also helpful in determining the recurrence of the cancer after treatment. Constant visualization is required after treatment to keep the cancer under control and PET CT is very effective tool in determining the recurrence of cancer after treatment of the condition.

Benefits of PET CT for Bone Cancer

There are various benefits of doing PET CT scan for bone cancer and these benefits include:

  • Highly accurate in detecting the bone cancer
  • Helps in early detection of bone cancer
  • Helps to customize treatment for best results
  • Can avoid unnecessary surgeries
  • Helps to detect hidden lesions
  • Helps to detect recurrence of cancer

Limitations of PET CT

There are various limitations of PET CT scan and these include:

  • Cancers with very low metabolic activity
  • Infectious lesion that can look similar cancer
  • Exposure to the radiations
  • The test is expensive comparing other tests like MRI and CT
  • There is limited availability of the testing facility

List of Tests used to Detect Bone Abnormalities

Conclusion

Bone cancer is the medical condition when there is uncontrolled growth of cells leading to the formation of tumors. These tumors can be malignant or benign depending on the type of cancer. Early detection of cancer is important for the detection of abnormalities. There are various tests used for the detection of abnormalities and these include CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET CT scan. This PET CT scan is advanced and most effective in detection of early cancers in the body. There are also various benefits of this test which cannot be provided by the other diagnostic tests used for the detection of abnormalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why to go for PET CT in bone cancer?

PET CT is advanced test used to detect bone cancer at early stages and help to diagnose the condition of the person.

When to go for bone PET CT scan?

When patient feels any type of abnormality in bones, he can go for PET CT scan.

What are the advantages of bone PET CT scan?

Bone PET CT can detect early cancers, help to customize treatment and helpful in detecting the effect of treatment.

What are the limitations of PET CT in bone cancer?

PET CT uses radiations for the detection of bone cancer, the tests are limited available and are costly comparing other tests like MRI and CT.

Where to go for PET CT bone in Delhi NCR?

Patient can go Ganesh diagnostic Center for any type of PET CT scan in Delhi NCR.