In this article, we will discuss about PET-CT as a diagnostic tool for stomach cancer and also some common questions related to PET-CT.
Overview
PET-CT is the short form of PET-CT scan is the short form of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) that can be used an effective tool for the detection of stomach cancers. PET-CT scan is the non-invasive radiological diagnostic tool which is very effective in detecting the stomach cancers. The procedure creates 3D images that can identify the condition even at the early stage and can be treated. PET-CT uses radioactive tracer for the detection of stomach cancers and most common radioactive tracer used in FDG.
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is also called gastric cancer and occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach. The condition can start from the lining of stomach and can reach to other parts of the body. Early detection of this cancer can be a game changer and help to treat the condition effectively. This is where PET-CT plays an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer. PET-CT uses radioactive tracer and motorized radiations for the detection of condition. There are various types of stomach cancers like Adenocarcinoma, Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, lymphomas, small cell carcinomas etc.
What are the causes of Stomach cancer?
There are various causes of stomach cancer like life style, genetics, medical conditions, consumption of some specific food etc. Life style causes include food, smocking, and alcohol consumption where as genetics runs from generations and are very hard to stop. There are also some medical conditions like H. pylori bacterial infection, which can lead to stomach cancer. Age is also one of the factors, which can lead to condition. Others causes include exposure to certain chemicals, obesity, gastoesohageal reflex disease etc.
What is the Procedure of PET-CT Scan for Detection of Stomach Cancer?
To detect stomach cancer through PET-CT scan procedure, patient is administrated with the radioactive tracer like FDG or F-18. After administration, patient is advised to wait for at least 1 hours so that radioactive tracer reaches to whole stomach. Then patient is advised to lie on the table attached with the PET-CT machine, the table slides into the machine for the detection of stomach cancers. The machine uses motorized X-rays in the limited quantity to detect the activity of the radioactive tracer in the stomach. Then clear 3D images of stomach are produced by the scanner for the diagnosis purpose.
Which types of Stomach Cancers are detected by PET-CT?
PET-CT (positron emission tomography -computed tomography) can detect different types of stomach cancers. The list of stomach cancers detected by PET-CT is:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- lymphomas,
- small cell carcinomas
- Squamous cell carcinomas
- Leiomyosarcomas
Which radioactive tracer used in PET-CT scan to detect Stomach Cancer?
There is no specific radioactive tracer used for the detection of stomach cancer. However radioactive glucoses like fluorine-18 (18F) and FDG (fluorodeoxy glucose) is commonly used as radioactive tracer for the detection of stomach cancer. This glucose attached with small amount of radioactive elements emits positron when it starts decomposing. The scanner detects the positron emitted and helps in the detection of abnormalities.
What does PET-CT Scan shows in stomach?
PET-CT scans produce the 3D images of the stomach lining, and other tissues associated with the stomach. This helps in the detection of abnormalities in the stomach like:
- Cellular changes in the stomach
- Metabolic activity at the minor scale of stomach
- Reveals the functioning of the stomach
- Provides anatomical images of stomach for specific evaluation
- Detects abnormalities in the stomach etc.
Conclusion
Stomach cancer is also called gastric cancer and occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach. The condition can start from the lining of stomach and can reach to other parts of the body. There are various causes of stomach cancer like life style, genetics, medical conditions, consumption of some specific food etc. Life style causes include food, smocking, and alcohol consumption where as genetics runs from generations and are very hard to stop. To detect stomach cancer through PET-CT scan procedure, patient is administrated with the radioactive tracer like FDG or F-18. After administration, patient is advised to wait for at least 1 hours so that radioactive tracer reaches to whole stomach. After scanning 3D images are produced, which gives a close look for the abnormalities and helps to detect the abnormalities at early stage? This helps in effective treatment and controls the spread of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer is also called gastric cancer and occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach
What are the Causes of Stomach Cancer?
Various causes of stomach cancer include life style, genetics, medical conditions, consumption of some specific food etc.
Can PET-CT Scan detect Stomach cancer?
Yes, PET-CT is effective diagnostic tool in detection of stomach cancer.
Where to go for PET-CT Scan for Stomach in Delhi?
Patient can visit Ganesh Diagnostic Imaging Centre for Stomach PET-CT Scan with heavy discounts. For more information and appointment, click here.
