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PET-CT in tumour diseases

Figure: Bronchial carcinoma in the left lung

PET / CT is currently the most advanced imaging method for tumour detection. It combines the advantages of positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) in a single device. The PET can display the tumour metabolism, whereas the CT can exactly localize the tumour. This allows to detect even the smallest tumours at a very early stage.

The PET/CT examination enables an early and precise diagnosis. The treating physician can then choose the best treatment for the patient. A PET/CT history control can show for example if a patient responds to chemotherapy.

The PET/CT method can be used in the following tumour diseases:

– lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma), pulmonary nodules
– colorectal cancer (colorectal carcinoma)
– breast cancer (breast carcinoma)
– prostate cancer (carcinoma of the prostate)
– black skin cancer (malignant melanoma)
– malignant lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma)
– esophageal cancer (carcinoma of esophagus)
– thyroid (carcinoma of the thyroid gland)
– pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma)
– neuroendocrine tumours (e.g. carcinoid)
– ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma)
– head and neck cancer
– bone and soft tissue tumours
– testicular cancer
– cerebral tumours
– examination of metastases when primary tumour is unknown (CUP syndrome)

Examination procedure

First, a small amount of a low-radiation marker substance will be injected. This substance will accumulate in metabolically active tissues.

The substances used are very well tolerated; allergic reactions are not known. The radiation load is low and quickly degraded.

After the injection of the substance, you stay for about an hour in a relaxation room.

We will then record PET/CT images, which takes about twenty to thirty minutes.

During recording you will lie on a narrow examination table, that slides into and out of the round opening ?? of the PET/CT unit. The opening is quite large and the tunnel is so short that you do not have to feel constricted. The measurement proceeds almost noiselessly.

The examination takes about two to three hours.

Preparation before and after the examination

On the day of the exam, please do not eat anything for several hours before the exam.

Please drink at least half a litre of water or unsweetened tea before the examination.

You can take your medication as usual, however please bring your medication list with you.

Please do also bring the results of your preliminary examinations pre-examination with you. Particularly important are print-outs or the CD of the most recent CT and MRI examinations.

Diabetics should contact their doctor beforehand to discuss their medication.

The radiotracer is individually ordered for each patient and is not storable (the costs run several hundred euros). Hence we kindly ask you to always keep your appointment on time and if for any reason you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment please do this at least two days in advance.

The pictures and the findings are evaluated within one day and sent to your treating physician as soon as possible. You will get a CD with the PET/CT images.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any further questions!