Posted on 2024年 11月 13日
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a highly accurate imaging diagnostic technique used to detect cancer early, confirm the effectiveness of treatment, and check for recurrence. This test utilizes the characteristic of cancer cells that consume more energy than normal, making it possible to grasp the presence and spread of cancer in detail. PET tests can accurately capture the location and activity of cancer, which is particularly useful for determining effective treatment plans. In this article, we will explain in detail the types of cancer that can be detected by PET tests, their characteristics, and their benefits.
1. Basic mechanism of PET examination
PET scans are performed by injecting a radioactive drug (usually a glucose-like substance called FDG) into the body and utilizing the property of cancer cells absorbing this drug. Cancer cells consume more energy than normal cells, so they tend to absorb more of the drug. The radiation emitted by this radioactive drug inside the body is detected by a special device, and the location and activity of the cancer inside the body are imaged.
2. Types of cancer that can be detected by PET scans
PET scans are effective for many cancers and are used to diagnose the following types of cancer:
- Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the cancers that is often examined with PET scans. It can confirm the presence or absence of small nodules and lymph node metastasis, which is useful in determining treatment plans.
- Colon cancer
PET scans are used to check for the presence or absence of colon cancer metastasis and the possibility of recurrence. It is particularly important to confirm metastasis to the liver and lungs.
- Breast cancer
PET scans may be performed to determine the progression of breast cancer and whether it has metastasized. It is also useful for checking the status of lymph node metastasis.
- Head and neck cancer
PET scans are also effective for cancer occurring in the head and neck, allowing for detailed detection of the spread and metastasis of cancer.
- Esophageal cancer
PET scans are also performed in cases of esophageal cancer to confirm the spread of cancer and the effectiveness of treatment.
- Lymphoma (malignant lymphoma)
PET scans are useful for diagnosing malignant lymphoma and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment because they detect the activity of cancer cells in the lymph nodes and throughout the body.
- Brain Tumors
PET scans can be used to check the activity of brain tumors, especially in distinguishing benign from malignant tumors.
3. Advantages of PET Scans
PET examinations have different characteristics than conventional imaging diagnostics and offer several significant advantages.
- PET scans that detect cancer activity
do not simply confirm the location of cancer, but can also detect the activity of cancer cells, which makes it possible to evaluate whether cancer is growing and whether there is a high risk of recurrence.
- PET scans are extremely useful when cancer
metastasis is suspected. By scanning the entire body, it is possible to determine the presence and spread of metastasis.
- Evaluation of treatment effectiveness
After cancer treatment, PET scans are also used to check how effective the treatment is. It is possible to see whether the activity of cancer cells is decreasing and whether the cancer is shrinking as a result of treatment.
- It helps in early detection
and can detect cancer at an early stage so that appropriate treatment can be started at the earliest.
4. Precautions when undergoing PET scan
PET scans are very useful, but because they use radioactive drugs, there is a risk of exposure. However, the amount of radiation exposure is properly managed, and within the normal range of use, there is almost no effect on health. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor in advance.
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