PET Scan

A PET scan – state-of-the-art medical imaging technology – makes the early and accurate diagnosis of cancer possible. Elsan has introduced PET scanning to provide patients with a reliable and first-rate service – a service that is also comprehensive, since as well as detecting cancer cells, a PET scan can also track their evolution during treatment. This allows better targeted treatment to be administered and monitored.

Detecting cancer cells

A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) detects cancer cells during a rapid examination (around 20 minutes, although the patient spends about two hours in the clinic). Before the scan, the patient is injected with a radiotracer fixed to a molecule that resembles glucose. A special camera, coupled with a scanner, will then follow the molecule’s movement through the patient’s body. In order to develop, cells feed on glucose. Cancerous cells are generally very active and therefore consume much more glucose. It is this higher concentration of glucose in tumour tissues that is detected by the PET scan.

Painless screening with a PET scan

A PET scan is effective, painless and has no side effects. However, one instruction must be followed and that is fasting for six hours beforehand. The entire Elsan team is on hand during your visit to ensure that the scan takes place in the best possible conditions. Image interpretation takes place after the scan, and results are available within 24 to 48 hours.