A Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scan plays a major role in oncological imaging. This advanced imaging modality combines the high sensitivity from the PET component and the specificity of the CT component and makes it a vital tool in revolutionising the care of cancer patients. Proper cancer management requires highly accurate imaging to characterise, stage, restage, assess response to therapy, prognosticate and detect recurrence. This ability to provide detailed anatomical and metabolic/functional information has a powerful synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of the two individual techniques.
This PET-CT combination lets doctors get 3D images of the inside of the body using one scanner. When a CT scan is placed on top of a PET scan, doctors can find the exact area of abnormal cell activity. Most PET CT scans call for an intravenous (IV) injection of a radiolabeled sugar (sugar that is mixed with a radioactive tracer), which will move through the body. This sugar will be metabolised or used by the cells and organs. Some cells and many diseases use sugar more than others, and a PET-CT scan can actually measure these differences. Given the rapid advancement in PET and CT technologies, there has been a considerable improvement in spatial resolution and sensitivity, thus enabling faster image acquisition and reducing radiation exposure for patients.
PET scan cost may vary depending on the body region scanned, tracer used, and the diagnostic centre.
Why is this test done?
A PET CT scan is a useful tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of cancer. By evaluating organs and/or tissues for the presence of disease or other conditions, the scan provides more insight into the organ’s functionality. The scan may also be used to detect and monitor conditions such as:
- Parkinson’s disease: A progressive disorder of the nervous system
- Huntington’s disease: A hereditary disease of the nervous system
- Dementias: This condition causes deterioration of cognitive and mental function
- Cerebrovascular accident (stroke): To determine the function of the brain following trauma and evaluate hematoma (blood clot), bleeding, and/or perfusion
- Epilepsy: A brain disorder involving recurrent seizures
- To evaluate myocardial perfusion (blood flow to the heart muscle)
- To determine lung lesions or masses
- To detect tumour recurrence earlier than with other diagnostic modalities
PET Scan procedure
Before the scan:
For this scan, the patient may need to stop eating and drinking (except water) at least six hours prior to the scan. They can take regular medications with water, except diabetic medications. They should also avoid strenuous activity (such as aerobics or jogging) at least 24 hours before the scan. Diabetic patients should stop the oral hypoglycaemic medications that contain Metformin 48 hours before the scan.
If you live in Delhi-NCR, do an online search with the keywords PET CT scan price to know the nearest diagnostic centre.
During the scan:
The patient will need to rest quietly, avoiding movement and talking. Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam the patient is undergoing, a small amount of a radiotracer such as fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which contains both a sugar and a radioactive element, is injected. The radiotracer travels through the body and is absorbed by tumours or cancer cells. The patient is then positioned on a motorised table. The imaging process will then begin.
Following the PET scan, the CT scan will follow. The PET scan usually lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, whereas the CT scan takes less than two minutes. The total scanning time varies from 20 to 40 minutes. Depending on the organ or tissue being examined, additional tracers or medications may be administered. These imaging scans may help clinicians to gain a better insight into where the disease is occurring, how aggressive it is, and how well the treatment is working. This may reduce the need for unnecessary surgery and help guide the ongoing therapy. Depending on the course of treatment selected by physicians, patients may require several scans during the course of their disease. Once the scan is over, A trained radiologist or nuclear medicine physician will review the images. These images will then be interpreted and a detailed report will be prepared for the physician who ordered the tests.
Disclaimer: For personalised advice and further information, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional.









