Define Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan- Benefits & Drawbacks

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is an imaging checkup that allows the doctor to diagnose diseases such as brain disorder, cancer, and other health problems. The procedure of this scan is radioactive tracers are injected into a vein in the arm. The tracer will absorb by the organs and tissues and highlight under the PET scan. It helps your doctor to recognize that your tissues and organs are working properly or not. It also checks the blood flow, glucose metabolism, oxygen use.

Why is PET Scan used?

It is performed to check the blood flow, metabolism and oxygen intake of your tissues and organs. It is basically used for the following disease:

• Cancer and what stage it is at

• Diseases of the heart

• Brain Disorders

How to prepare for PET Scan

Please tell your doctor if you are taking any all the medicines and prescriptions. You can only drink a water, the doctor may ask you that not to eat anything for around eight hours before your scan.

If you are a pregnant or believe could be pregnant, it is very important to tell your doctor. Because it is harmful to your baby. A doctor will ask you to change into a hospital gown. You also need to remove all of the jewelry because metal can interfere with the testing equipment.

Benefits of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

• It shows all the organs and tissues in one image.

• It shows if you have cancer and how far it is spread

• Ii can be used to look at response to cancer treatment

• PET scan is painless.

Drawbacks of PET Scan

• PET scan is not recommended for pregnant or breath-feeding women. Because it produces dangerous radiations which are very harmful to pregnant or breath-feeding women.

• When you went under PET scan, from the radiation very small chance to develop cancer in the long term.

• During the injector, may spread infection, bleeding or bruising into a vein in the arm.

Mildred Galella is an active blogger and an eminent speaker. Mildred has always been a pertinent contributor towards the health and medical industry. He wrote many blogs on Medical Equipment Parts. He is following blogs of PhiGEM Parts and MedWow etc.