PET-CT: Localized or Whole-Body Examination?
PET-CT: Localized or Whole-Body Examination?
Some individuals who smoke are concerned about potential lung issues and consider undergoing a localized PET-CT scan focused solely on the lungs. Is this feasible?
Other patients, seeking cancer follow-up evaluations, wonder whether a localized or whole-body PET-CT scan is more appropriate.
PET-CT examinations are generally categorized into whole-body and localized scans. A whole-body scan covers areas from the head to the knees, while a localized scan targets specific regions such as the head, chest, abdomen, or pelvis, offering a more limited scope.
Typically, localized scans are slightly less expensive than whole-body scans. If a patient’s overall condition is already well-documented, a localized PET-CT may suffice. For example, early-stage cancer patients who have previously undergone a whole-body PET-CT before surgery may opt for a localized scan post-surgery to assess treatment efficacy.
Similarly, for cases where clarifying a specific lesion is the primary goal—such as neurological disorders requiring only a head scan—a localized examination is often sufficient.
However, for most situations, a whole-body scan is recommended. This is because:
• PET-CT can detect minute lesions. A single scan can identify malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, or neurological disorders systemically, enabling preemptive intervention.
• Although tumors may manifest locally, they often represent systemic diseases. Malignancies, in particular, are prone to metastasis. For instance, while liver cancer originates in the liver, it may spread to the lungs, bones, or stomach. Relying solely on a localized PET-CT in such cases could lead to incomplete assessment.
A whole-body scan helps identify areas with the most active tumor metabolism, precisely targeting regions for radiotherapy and accurately determining cancer staging and classification. Correct staging is critical for diagnosis and enables physicians to develop tailored treatment plans.
Thus, a whole-body PET-CT scan ensures comprehensive monitoring without overlooking potential issues, offering greater reliability. Nevertheless, specific decisions should always follow medical advice.
Introduction to PET-CT Center, Wuwei Heavy Ion Center, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital
The center has introduced the United States GE Discovery 710 Clarity super-iterative PET-CT, one of the most advanced systems in China featuring a 256-ring LBS crystal PET/128-slice spiral CT. It is the fourth such device in Gansu Province and the only one in prefecture-level hospitals across the province. As a leading iterative equipment from GE, it offers higher sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional PET-CT systems.
With a unique spatial resolution of 1.8 mm, it significantly enhances the detection capability for minute lesions while reducing overall scan time and patient radiation exposure. This ensures ideal diagnostic outcomes, earning it the reputation as a "top achievement in modern medical high technology."
The center operates a state-of-the-art radiopharmacy room equipped with a medical cyclotron system capable of producing specialized tracers (e.g., ¹¹C, ¹³N, ¹⁸F) for various diseases. The purity of these pharmaceuticals exceeds national standards, matching global top-tier quality and guaranteeing precise diagnoses. As the only PET-CT center in Gansu simultaneously conducting ¹¹C and ¹⁸F imaging, it provides critical support for accurate patient evaluations.
• Contact: Director Li Ke (+86 13689357660)
• Address: PET-CT Center, Wuwei Heavy Ion Center, Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital