It is very natural that patients go through different types of cancer diagnosis procedures to identify and create detailed imageries of cancerous growth in the body. Depending upon the type of cancerous growth, physicians recommend using different types of imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, Mammography or PET CT scanning technologies to get the best diagnostic results.

Though most of the imaging techniques employ radio waves or x-rays to capture the image, the PET CT scanning uses a confluence of conventional x-rays with computer aided imaging technology. This helps the diagnosis to be more accurate and incredibly result-yielding.

How is a PET CT Scanning done?

Before commencing the scanning procedure, a radioactive substance is injected into the body of the patient undergoing diagnosis. The substance is similar to glucose and since cancer cells use glucose more rapidly than the normal cells, CT scan cancer diagnosis helps to map the biological activities of the cancer cells more efficiently and effectively.

Thought the PET medical imaging uses a radioactive material, the material is devoid of any harmful effects and is painless when administered. It is quite natural that before undergoing the procedure you may have several concerns and anxieties about the same. It is important that do not hold back from asking these questions to your physicians or the cancer detection centre where you undergo CT scan procedure.

Before the scanning procedure;

In order to get the right result, the patient undergoing the procedure is expected to prepare for the same;

• Abstain from wearing clothes that have any types of zippers, buckles or any snaps that might interfere with the scanning.
• Avoid wearing any type of jewelry.
• You should not drink or eat anything for six hours before from the procedure of scanning and avoid chewing gums or candies.
• Do no indulge in any strenuous physical activities for about 24 hours from the time of scanning.
• If the patient is under medication for diabetes, these medications must be taken for about 4 hours from the time of the procedure of CT scan cancer diagnosis.

On the day of the scanning procedure;

Following is expected to take place on the day of the CT scan procedure;

• The procedure takes at least about two hours including the time required for the preparation.
• If you feel any type of anxiety, you can take any medication prescribed by your physician at the Radiology Centre.
• The technician will record your vital information, height and weight at the time of the procedure and be willing to answer any questions if you may have.
• After your blood check is completed, the technician will administer the radioactive material into your body.
• You will be required to a lie back for 60 minutes before the process of scanning is begun.
• Once the procedure is done, a radiologist will analyze the images produced by the scanning and share the findings with your physician for formal diagnosis.

One of the best ways to ensure that the procedure performs impeccably is to stay relax and composed and the cancer detection centre you are at must provide great ambience to leave you composed and calm, which is best for diagnostic results.