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Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma: PET Scans

Pleural mesothelioma diagnosis typically involves imaging scans such as an MRI, CT or PET scan. These scans aid doctors in determining the location of the cancer and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body. Scans like these are also able to determine the effectiveness of a particular treatment.

PET scans use metabolic processes to create a highly detailed image of the inside of the body. Before undergoing a PET scan, patients receive an intravenous injection of a solution of radioactive glucose. During the test, equipment that can detect the presence of the glucose is used to scan a patient’s body in order to obtain a clearer picture.

The process of malignant cancer cells absorbing and using glucose more quickly than normal healthy cells is what makes this process work. Any area of tissue that has taken up large amounts of glucose can be easily distinguishable from other tissues on the scan. PET scans are useful diagnostic and prognostic tools because they show a three dimension picture of the body that helps highlight the location of cancer cells.

CT-PET Scans

A PET scan is sometimes accompanied by a CT scan, allowing the results of both to provide more detailed and useful information for doctors. The combination of a CT and PET scan allows them to diagnose the stage of the cancer. Useful information like this can significantly affect what treatment options are available for patients.

Knowing the exact location and size of tumors is vital information before determining the most effective treatment plan. The CT-PET combination provides quick and accurate results that specialists need to provide the best treatment. When the combination is used after chemotherapy, it allows doctors to see a detailed picture of how the cancer is responding after the treatment.

Test Results

Usually patients can see the results of their scan within a few days. Doctors trained in analyzing the scans will report the results to the patient’s doctor who then reviews the results with the patient, explaining anything they might not understand.

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