CA
A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: pet-ct breast cancer staging?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Hoepfneranswered
Surgery 41 years experience
PET - CT: Pet-ct scans are a means of combining the x-ray of a ct scan with the functional study of a pet scan. The pet scan can see over-active cells that are actively using glucose. The over-active cells may represent cancer cells and is a means of telling if cancer cells are spreading or growing somewhere in the body. The ct scan may see a growth & the pet scan can see if the growth has overactive cells.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Travis Kidneranswered
Surgical Oncology 19 years experience
Imaging test: This test is performed by the nuclear medicine department. You are giving an infusion of glucose that has a radio-tracer attached to it. This glucose is taken up by cells in the body. Cells that are multiplying faster (i.e. Cancer cells) will take up more of this special glucose. Then pictures are taken of your body that can detect the special glucose in your body.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 27, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
