Question

Compare and contrast a CT scan and a PET scan.

Answer 1

A CT scan, also known as computed tomography scan, makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional images (virtual "slices") of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.

A Positron emission tomography (PET) uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers, a special camera and a computer to help evaluate your organ and tissue functions. By identifying body changes at the cellular level, PET may detect the early onset of disease before it is evident on other imaging tests.

In short, I guess you could say one is meant to evaluate mainly bones while the other is used to evaluate metabolic processes.

Answer 2

Explanation:

CT stands for Computer Topography, using X- rays, a computer construct images about the information received, which is read by a specialist, allowing to see inside the body. With a CT scan, organs, bones and tissues can be seeing. This process doesn't hurt and it doesn't take too long, which is perfect because that way the patient won't be exposed too mucho to this electromagnetic rays, which carry radiation.

On the other hand, PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, a radioactive tracer is used with a special dye, which allow doctors to see zones that react to it, meaning that is a damaged zone, this method gives the possibility to diagnose diseases which cannot be seen externally. As you can see, a PET scan involves the use of radioactive substances which are inhaled or injected in the patient, in the part of the body that needs to be examined. The PET scan is able to measure blood flows, sugar and oxygen uses, tissues and more.

Therefore, CT and PET scan are way different, one is more powerful than the other, but both are used in medicine to diagnose and examine parts of the body. A crucial difference is that PET scans need a radioactive tracer to examine, and CT scans don't, but PET are stronger, can allow to diagnose invisible diseases, which can be only seen inside.