Diagnosing Mesothelioma: PET Scans

Medical imaging scans such as MRI, CT and PET scans are used for mesothelioma diagnosis and the diagnosis of other asbestos cancers. These scans help determine where the cancer is located in the body and whether it has spread to other locations. Such tests are also used to determine how effectiveness of a particular course of treatment.
PET scans make use of the metabolic processes of cells to create highly detailed images of the inside of the body. Prior to a PET scan, the individual undergoing the test is injected intravenously with a solution of radioactive glucose. During the test, their body is scanned using equipment that can detect the presence of the radioactive glucose.
This process works off the principle that malignant cancer cells absorb and use glucose more quickly than normal healthy cells. Once the scan images have been generated, areas of tissue that have taken up large amounts of glucose can be easily distinguished from other areas of tissue.
PET scans are particularly useful diagnostic and prognostic tools because they show the location of cancer cells within the body in three dimensions, with more accuracy and finer detail than other tests.

CT-PET Scans

A PET scan is sometimes carried out at the same time as a CT scan, which provides more detailed and useful results. This is particularly useful during diagnosis for mesothelioma, as the combination of a CT and PET scan gives fast, detailed results that accurately reflect the stage of the cancer. This useful information helps doctors determine best treatment for each individual.
Knowing the exact location, size, and spread of tumors is vital information for cancer doctors.During treatment, the CT-PET combination provides quick and highly accurate results that specialists need to ensure patients receive the best treatment at every stage of their disease. For example, when a combination CT-PET scan is used following chemotherapy, it can give a detailed picture of how the cancer is responding to the treatment, much earlier and more accurately than other types of medical imaging tests.

Test Results

Test results for these scans are usually available within a few days. The scans are analyzed by doctors who are trained to interpret the images and the results are then reported to the patient's doctor, who then reviews and explains the results with the patient.
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