ONCOLOGICAL PET-CT
Unfortunately, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women today. However, the chance of treatment is quite high with early diagnosis and effective treatment methods. At this point, an advanced imaging method such as oncological PET-CT plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
It is a technology used to measure the metabolic activity of cancer cells and determine the potential of the cancer to spread in the body. In this method, a radioactive substance called FDG is injected, and because of the high metabolic activity of cancer cells, this substance accumulates in cancerous areas. In this way, the PET-CT scan shows cancerous areas more clearly.
The roles of oncological PET-CT in breast cancer are as follows:
Diagnosis and Staging: PET-CT is of great importance in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. Cancerous lesions with high metabolic activity are visualized more clearly and the spreading potential of the disease is evaluated. In this way, the appropriate treatment plan for the patient can be created.
Evaluation of the Response to Treatment: PET-CT is an effective tool used to evaluate the response to breast cancer treatment. Scans performed during and after treatment show whether cancer cells have decreased and how effective the treatment is. This information is important for adjusting the treatment plan or considering alternative treatment options.
Detection of Metastasis: The PET-CT scan is used to determine the spreading potential of breast cancer and to detect metastases. Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to organs outside the breast. PET-CT helps detect metastatic areas and plays an important role in treatment planning.
Radiotherapy Planning: Oncological PET-CT is also an important aid in planning radiation therapy for breast cancer. PET-CT scans are used to determine the area where radiation therapy will be applied and to target cancer cells precisely. In this way, radiation therapy is applied more effectively and accurately.
Follow-up and Detection of Recurrence: PET-CT plays an important role in monitoring patients after breast cancer treatment and in the early detection of recurrence. Scans performed regularly allow early detection of areas showing signs of recurrence or metastasis. This allows patients to be intervened on in time and appropriate treatment options to be evaluated.
Oncological PET-CT in breast cancer is a technology that offers advanced diagnosis and treatment options. However, since each patient’s situation is different, the use of this method is carefully evaluated by doctors. Early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment approach are vital in the fight against breast cancer.
Remember, by having regular check-ups and cooperating with your specialist doctor, you can take important steps in the fight against breast cancer.
