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Results of a Esophageal PET/CT Exam
In cancer, cells begin to grow at a much faster rate, feeding on sugars like
glucose. PET/CT works by using CT to build an anatomical image of the body,
and see if the cancer has spread. PET gauges the biochemical function of the
tumour, so that it can be found or aged, depending on whether the exam is for
diagnosis or treatment options.
PET/CT use a small amount of a radioactive drug, which is normally FDG: a tracer
in combination with a compound such as glucose. Once injected the FDG tracer
travels through the body.
FDG emits signals as it travels and eventually collects in the organs targeted
for examination. If an area in an organ is cancerous, the signals will be stronger
(as shown on the images) since more glucose will be absorbed in those areas.
Your physician or surgeon will pick up theses stronger images.
In some Esophageal cancer cases, the cancer may have spread and the CT scan,
with the PET scan giving information on the age of the tumour, will show this
up.
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