PET is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography; CT stands for Computerized Tomography. A PET/CT scanner merges both technologies into a single machine for a single test. The PET/CT scan is simply a PET scan and a CT scan completed during a single imaging session. If the patient needs a diagnostic CT scan along with the PET scan, then a more detailed CT sequence, maybe with contrast, will be taken of the areas requested.

PET is a diagnostic imaging test that uses special imaging systems and radioactive tracers to produce pictures of the function and metabolism of the cells in the body. CT is an X-ray test that generates a detailed view of the anatomy or structure of organs and tissues in the body. The PET/CT scan can provide even more – a picture of function (PET), a picture of anatomy (CT) and a merged picture of both: the body’s metabolism and structure.

Most PET scans today are performed with an imaging radiopharmaceutical that acts like a very small amount of a sugar when it is administered intravenously. The imaging radiopharmaceutical most commonly used is FDG (Fludeoxyglucose). FDG provides a signal that the PET scanner detects – tissues that are under-using or over-using glucose can be shown on the pictures. Cancer cells, because they are dividing faster than normal cells, tend to use more glucose than normal tissues.

The CT scan provides detailed information about the structures in the body. The CT scan can show the dimension of vessels, lymph nodes and organ systems, showing changes in size, location, density and more. The merging of the two data sets-glucose metabolism and structure-provides the precise co-localization of anatomy and function.

Studies have shown that the combined usage of PET/CT has dramatically improved the treatment plans of patients that have lung cancer or pulmonary disease. PET/CT helps physicians more accurately identify where tumors are in patients. This is very important to efficacy of treatment and to limiting side effects.

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