What is the difference between CT and PET-CT?

What is the difference between CT and PET-CT?

Perhaps the main difference between a CT scan and a PET scan is their focus. A CT scan creates a de-tailed non-moving image of organs, bones, and tissues. A PET scan, on the other hand, shows doctors how the tissues in a patient's body work on a cellular level.

What does PET-CT scan mean?

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans detect early signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. An injectable radioactive tracer detects diseased cells. A combination PET-CT scan produces 3D images for a more accurate diagnosis.

How much does a PET-CT cost?

The average PET scan cost in the United States is $5,750, though prices can range from $1,250 to $9,225. One factor that can greatly affect the cost of your procedure is whether you have it performed in an inpatient facility, like a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center.

Is PET-CT the same as pet?

A PET/CT scan includes two parts: a PET scan and a CT scan. ... The PET scan demonstrates function and what's occurring on a cellular level. The PET scan is unique because it images the radiation emitted from the patient while the CT records anatomical x-rays, showing the same area from another perspective.

Why would a doctor order a PET scan after a CT scan?

Why is a PET scan performed? Your doctor may order a PET scan to inspect your blood flow, your oxygen intake, or the metabolism of your organs and tissues. PET scans show problems at the cellular level, giving your doctor the best view of complex systemic diseases.

What cancers show up on a PET scan?

PET scans can show solid tumors in the brain, prostate, thyroid, lungs, and cervix. The scans can also evaluate the occurrence of colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, and pancreatic tumors. They are also used to assess if treatment is being effective in eliminating cancer.

Why would a doctor recommend a PET scan?

A PET scan uses radioactive tracers to measure the chemical reactions in your body in order to diagnose diseases. A doctor will recommend a cardiac PET scan to check the blood flow to your heart muscles. The scan can indicate areas of decreased blood flow, which allows your doctor to accurately decide the next steps.

Do all cancers show up on PET scan?

Not all cancers show up on a PET scan. PET scan results are often used with other imaging and lab test results. Other tests are often needed to find out whether an area that collected a lot of radioactive material is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Does insurance cover a PET scan?

Although it can be costly, your PET scan may be covered by insurance. Most heath insurance policies will pay for clinically indicated PET scans. PET scans are beneficial for detecting cancer, myocardial infarctions, and brain abnormalities.

What cancers do not show up on a PET scan?

On the other hand, tumors with low glycolytic activity such as adenomas, bronchioloalveolar carcinomas, carcinoid tumors, low grade lymphomas and small sized tumors have revealed false negative findings on PET scan.