Irving, TX – Lymphomas affect the body’s immune system. The two forms of lymphomas are the Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These categories of lymphomas are divided into various subtypes. PET scans help in care planning and management of particular lymphomas. They assist in determining the stage of cancer, a patient’s prognosis and how they respond to treatment.

“FDG-PET accurately assesses the prognosis and treatment response in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma,” explained the radiologist.“PET imaging exams are validated for use before, during and after treatment to provide detailed information of the activities of the disease.”

Here’s how PET imaging helps in assessing certain lymphomas:

• PET scans are conducted before treatment to identify the stage of lymphoma. Sometimes they are performed amidst the treatment in cases of aggressive lymphoma.

• Interim PET scans can be suggested after three rounds of chemotherapy to establish if the cancer is in remission. If the disease is in remission, the treatment is working, but if it isn't, the treatment plan can be changed for better effective treatment.

• A PET scan shows whether the lymphoma is active, and its activity in the body tissues and organs.

• It provides information about the potential outcomes of treatment. Doctors use PET scans to obtain useful information regarding additional treatments needed.

• After an interim PET shows that the lymphoma has not gone into remission and changes made to the treatment plan, another scan can be performed after two or three other chemotherapy treatment rounds to assess the progress of the treatment and see the effectiveness of the new treatment.

“Most PET scans in lymphoma involve patients with Hodgkin lymphoma or those with the diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s disease,” continued the radiologist. “PET detects more sites of the disease below and above the diaphragm. A positive PET scan during and after chemotherapy has a high sensitivity of predicting an ensuing relapse while a negative PET offers favorable prognostic details."

About PET/CT of Las Colinas

PET/CT of Las Colinas is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of our patients. We understand that the foundation of a successful treatment plan – or a clean bill of health – begins with sophisticated, accurate imagery. We look forward to providing you with the highest level of care. Our imaging center is located conveniently across the highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center within the Las Colinas Cancer Center on Highway 161 in Irving, TX. and – once here – we offer hassle-free curbside parking.

Visit them at https://pet-ct-lascolinas.com/services/pet-scan/ to know more.