OncoCare
New technologies in healthcare are improving the way we diagnose and treat cancer.
One such technology is the PET-CT scan. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, while CT stands for Computed Tomography—both of which are imaging modalities used in medical settings. A PET-CT combines both of these modalities into one scan, which allows doctors to get an incredibly detailed picture of what is happening inside the body.
Let’s take a closer look at why a PET-CT scan is so important for cancer care.
A PET-CT scan has been proven to be extremely helpful in diagnosing cancer, staging it, monitoring its progress, and determining if a treatment is effective.
Early detection is key when it comes to treating many types of cancers successfully. With early detection comes early intervention which can significantly improve patient outcomes. This is where PET-CT scans come into play.
The primary benefit of using PET-CT scans in diagnosing cancer is their accuracy. The combination of two imaging techniques means that doctors can get a more detailed view than they would with either technique individually, helping them identify areas of disease that may not be visible on either scan alone.
They allow doctors to detect even very small changes in cellular activity, so cancer can be accurately diagnosed earlier than ever before. Together with other scans, scopes, and biopsies, it also helps doctors determine if tumour cells have spread to other parts of the body, which is known as staging the cancer. This increases the chances that treatments will be successful and reduce long-term side effects associated with more advanced stages of cancer.
In addition to helping with cancer diagnosis and staging, PET-CT scans can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment over time. They can be extremely helpful in treating cancer because they provide detailed information about where tumours are located and how large they are.
By tracking changes in tumour size and location over several scans, doctors can determine whether or not a particular treatment is working or if it needs to be adjusted. This helps doctors adjust treatments quickly and effectively so that patients receive the best care possible.
Additionally, doctors also make use of the scans to decide on the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient. By monitoring changes over time, doctors can track how well they are working or if there is any progression or recurrence of disease.
With its noninvasive nature, PET-CT scans have been proven to be both safe and effective for tracking the progression of cancer throughout many parts of the body. It also helps minimise costs by creating a single image that contains both information from a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan and Computed Tomography (CT) scan to give doctors greater insight, while avoiding redundant or unnecessary tests.
At OncoCare Cancer Centre, we offer a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all types of cancers.
Our team of specialists offer timely, expert services to detect, treat, and manage your cancer to give you the best possible chance of getting back to your usual quality of life as soon as possible.
With clinics located throughout the island, you don’t have to travel far for world-class cancer care. Make an appointment with us and let us help you detect and treat your cancer now!
“Expert knowledge means better care for cancer”
Written by:
Dr Angela Pang
MBBS (Singapore)
Grad Dip (GRM)
MRCP (UK)
M Med (Internal Med)
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