How PET-CT Helps Detect Sarcoma Early
July is Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate, support, and shine a light on a rare group of cancers that often go unnoticed. Whether you’re seeking information to support a loved one or want to understand how advanced imaging like PET-CT plays a role in early detection, this blog provides a straightforward overview.
What Is Sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues of the body. These include muscles, bones, nerves, fat, cartilage, and blood vessels. Unlike more common cancers, sarcomas can occur almost anywhere in the body, which can make them more difficult to detect early.
There are two main categories:
- Soft tissue sarcoma found in tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, and blood vessels
- Bone sarcoma (osteosarcoma) found in the bones, most often in children and young adults
Because sarcomas are rare and can be mistaken for other conditions like benign lumps or sports injuries, early and accurate imaging is essential for a timely diagnosis.
What Is a PET-CT?
A PET-CT scan is a powerful imaging tool that combines two types of scans into one:
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) shows how tissues and organs are functioning at a cellular level.
- CT (Computed Tomography) provides detailed images of the body’s internal structures.
By combining these technologies, a PET-CT scan allows doctors to see both structural details and metabolic activity within the body. This is especially useful for identifying cancer cells, which typically use more energy than normal cells and appear as “hot spots” on the scan.
How PET-CT Is Used to Detect Sarcoma
Sarcomas can be aggressive and fast-growing, which makes early detection vital. PET-CT scans are commonly used in the diagnosis and staging of sarcoma for several reasons:
- Locating the tumor: PET-CT can help identify where the tumor is and how large it is.
- Differentiating benign from malignant tissue: Areas of higher metabolic activity may indicate cancerous tissue.
- Evaluating spread (metastasis): PET-CT can detect if sarcoma has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or lymph nodes.
- Monitoring treatment: After treatment begins, PET-CT scans help evaluate how well the cancer is responding.
- Guiding biopsies and treatment planning: Precise imaging helps physicians decide where to take tissue samples and how to target treatment.
At ImageCare Radiology, we offer advanced PET-CT technology in a supportive, patient-centered environment. Our experienced imaging team works closely with referring physicians to deliver clear, actionable results that help guide each patient’s care.
The Prognosis of Sarcoma When Detected Early
Like many cancers, early detection of sarcoma can significantly improve outcomes. When caught before it spreads, many sarcomas are treatable with surgery, radiation, or a combination of therapies. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for localized soft tissue sarcoma is over 80%. However, survival rates decrease if the cancer spreads, which is why timely and accurate imaging is so important.
Partnering With You in Sarcoma Detection
At ImageCare Radiology, we understand how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their loved ones. Our goal is to provide compassionate care paired with precise, advanced imaging services like PET-CT that help detect sarcoma as early and accurately as possible.
If you or someone you care about has been referred for a PET-CT scan, or you have questions about how it fits into the diagnostic process, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.