PET-CT Scan (Early Cancer Diagnosis)

· Those who wish to get a cancer screening in Seongnam, South Korea.
· Those who face a high risk of cancer.
· Those considered poor candidates for surgeries.
· Those who wish to be free of cancer.
· Those who want to try a different treatment to curing Cancer.

PET, or Positron Emission Tomography is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. PET scan measures important body functions such as oxygen use, blood flow, glucose metabolism etc. This measurement equipped the doctors in evaluating the organs and tissues performance.

CT, or Computed Tomography is used to produce multiple images inside the body and provide excellent anatomic information.

Today, most of the PET scans are superimposed with CT using radiotracers to provide more accurate and comprehensive information on the abnormal activity and function of cells. Other than detecting cancer earliest and accurately, PET-CT can also distinguish malignant and benign tumors observing the progress of cancer treatment as well as prognosis.

General Procedure often includes:

1. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table.
2. IV Catheter will be inserted if necessary.
3. Radiotracer dose will be injected into the vein.
4. Radiotracer will be used to travel through your body for about an hour.
5. You will be asked to drink contrast material to localize the intestines.
6. The imaging into PET-CT scan will be started.

<Advantages>
· Provides unique information of body functions and anatomic structure
· Gives accurate diagnoses
· Less expensive than exploratory surgery
· May detect early onset or recurrence of disease
· Fast scanning time with reduced radiation dose
· 4D Imaging and optimized image quality

<Limitations>
· Body structures image resolution may not be as high as CT or MRI
· Results for diabetic patients may be affected
· A person who is very obese may not fit in the scanner unit

· Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not recommended for PET-CT. Benefit versus risk should be discussed with the doctor.
· Those who are unable or not willing to stay still for a prolonged period of time may need to consider another procedure.
· Those who are claustrophobic may also need to consider another procedure, although this can be managed with conscious sedation.
· It's important to not have elevated blood sugar levels for this procedure. If the blood sugar level is markedly elevated in the checking before the procedure, then the scan may have to be rescheduled.
· Recent chemotherapy or radiotherapy can make interpretation difficult, and the procedure may need to be rescheduled to a later time.

Q1: What will happen after the scan?
A1: Once you are done getting the scan, you may leave the imaging facility. However, please make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush FDG from your body.

Q2: Are there any potential side effects of PET-CT?
A2: There are usually no side effects to having the scan. But ensure you drink a lot of water and check with the doctor if you have any concerns.

Q3: How long will I have to wait for the results to come out?
A3: Usually, it will take about 24 - 48 hours until the results are out.

Q4: Is it safe to around my pregnant wife after a PET scan?
A4: Your body's tissues will be exposed to radiation during PET scan. Therefore, it is important that close contact with pregnant women, babies or young children be avoided for a few hours after the procedure.

Q5: Will it be possible for me to drive myself back after the procedure?
A5: Usually, you would be able to drive yourself home. However, if you had taken a Valium or Ativan before the procedure, you must have someone else to drive for you instead.

[Clinic Name] Bundang Jesaeng Hospital
[Location] Seongnam, South Korea
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] Walking distance to supermarkets and cafes, 90 mins train ride to Seoul city center, places to hike nearby.
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday to Friday (9:00AM - 5:30PM); Saturday (9:00AM - 12:30AM)