PET/CT scan for Pancreatic Cancer in Oklahoma

Though small, the pancreas is a vital organ that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and producing digestive enzymes that help break down food. Like all organs, it is composed of cells that follow a natural cycle of growth, division, and death. When this process is disrupted, causing cells to grow uncontrollably or for old cells to survive longer than they should, excess tissue can accumulate, forming a mass known as a tumor.

While some of these tumors are benign, pancreatic cancer has increasingly come into the spotlight because of its aggressive nature and the many challenges it presents. For one, the pancreas is located deep in the abdomen, tucked behind other organs, making tumors difficult to identify during a physical exam. Early warning signs are often minimal or absent, and most cases are not discovered until advanced stages, which contributes to the disease’s high mortality despite accounting for only about 3% of all cancers.

At Halo Body Scan, we understand that any form of cancer can be frightening. That’s why we offer one of the most advanced medical imaging exams available, capable of detecting a variety of cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Our PET/CT scans provide detailed, accurate information to pinpoint tumors, evaluate their activity, and guide precise treatment decisions, helping patients and their doctors take confident steps forward.

How a PET/CT Scan Can Help in Pancreatic Cancer

Because there is no single test that can reliably detect pancreatic cancer, patients often undergo a series of diagnostic exams. PET/CT imaging can play a critical role by:

• Pinpoint and Assess Tumor Activity: Before the scan, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected. Because cancer cells are more metabolically active and consume more glucose than normal cells, they absorb more of the tracer, allowing the PET/CT scan to highlight tumor location and activity clearly.
• Distinguishes Tumor Types: PET/CT scans can help differentiate between malignant tumors and benign growths or inflammation.
• Determines Cancer Stage: After a cancerous tumor is discovered, it’s essential to determine whether it has spread. PET/CT scans can reveal whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, providing critical findings to stage the disease and guide treatment decisions accurately.
• Guides Precise Treatment Decisions: By offering comprehensive insights into a tumor’s location, size, and whether it has spread, PET/CT scans allow doctors to design precise, personalized treatment plans that maximize effectiveness.
• Monitor Treatment Effectiveness: PET/CT scans can track how tumors respond to chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments by showing both reductions in size and decreases in metabolic activity over time, helping doctors evaluate and adjust therapy for the best possible results. .

PET/CT Scans for Pancreatic Cancer Detection at Halo Body Scan

At Halo Body Scan in Oklahoma City, we know that having accurate, detailed information can be life-changing when facing a serious condition like pancreatic cancer. However, it’s equally important to speak with your healthcare provider if you notice unusual symptoms, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), unexplained weight loss, sudden-onset diabetes, pancreatitis, or persistent abdominal or back pain. These signs can be subtle or easily overlooked, and, unfortunately, most cases are not diagnosed until they reach advanced stages.

Taking proactive steps today can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you care about is experiencing these symptoms or navigating a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, you don’t have to face it alone. PET/CT scans at Halo Body Scan provide critical insights for earlier detection, precise staging, and informed treatment decisions, empowering both patients and physicians to act decisively and move forward with clarity. Schedule your scan by calling (405) 477-1100 or requesting an appointment online.

Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15806-pancreatic-cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421