Benefits of using a PET-CT scan for detecting and monitoring mesothelioma
Date Posted: August 5, 2011
PET (positron emission tomography)-CT (computer tomography) scans are useful imaging techniques in detecting cancer. The PET-CT combines the PET and CT scans through one imaging device which does both types of scans. It incorporates both scanning techniques into one session and incorporates them into one image by superimposing the scans.
PET-CT scans are now the preferred imaging technology for detecting and monitoring mesothelioma.
What are PET and CT scans?
A PET scan takes images of cancer areas at a molecular level, showing metabolic and biochemical activity and changes. PET scans offer greater opportunity to detect cancer in its early stages based on metabolic changes. Other imaging tools do not offer this capability.
In contrast, the CT scan shows the body’s anatomy and where tumors are located, their size, internal organs, bones, soft tissue, blood vessels, etc. CT scans can provide a cross-section of body areas and a three-dimensional view through computer technology that makes them more detailed than regular X-rays. By combining the two imaging techniques into a PET-CT scan, doctors can see in enough detail to differentiate mesothelioma from other similar types of lung cancer and achieve earlier detection.
Mesothelioma diagnostic problems that PET-CT scans solve
The problem doctors have with diagnosing pleural mesothelioma (the most common type of mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs) is that has many similar symptoms and characteristics to other types of lung cancer.
Detection has been a major problem with mesothelioma diagnosis and doctors typically do not detect mesothelioma until the later stages of cancer. So, improved staging is an obvious benefit that the PET-CT scan offers. Other advantages include:
- Better capability for early detection
- Help with determining whether a patient should have debulking surgery (debulking surgery removes the major part of a tumor that cannot be completely removed for the purpose of improving chemotherapy or radiation effectiveness)
- Help with determining how responsive the cancer is to treatment
- Help with doctors projecting mortality and survival rates
Having the latest technology at your disposal
A law firm with experienced mesothelioma lawyers can help clients obtain access to the latest technologies and the best equipment to monitor their treatment progress. Cutting edge technology incurs a high expense, which mesothelioma victims can afford when skilled attorneys obtain compensation from liable parties.