PET CT Diagnostic Testing

Table of Contents

What is PET CT

PET CT, also known as Positron Emission Tomography, can be done along with a CT scan. If so, doctors call it a PET-CT scan, but you might also just hear it called a PET scan.

A PET CT combines two technologies:

PET (Positron Emission Tomography): This part of the scan involves an injection of a mildly radioactive substance called a radiotracer. The type of radiotracer used depends on what you are looking for. The most common one is similar to a special type of sugar (Fluoro 18 Fluoro deoxy glucose) that is selectively taken up by the affected cells in the body. Other radio labelled contrasts maybe be used depending on the disease being evaluated.

CT (Computed Tomography): This specialized X-ray creates detailed images of the structures inside your body. Superimposition of the two images gives a picture of not only the anatomical details of the structure but also its functional status. Doctors use PET-CT scans to provide more information about cancer.

A PSMA scan, or prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PET) scan, is a nuclear medicine imaging test that helps detect prostate cancer. This is done specifically for Prostate cancer cases.

We have PET CT Scan centers in India in Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

For patients from India –

To book a PET CT Scan for yourself in Gurgaon – Click Here

To Book PET CT Scan for yourself in Delhi – Click Here

To Book a PET CT Scan for yourself in Mumbai – Click Here

To Book PET CT Scan for yourself in Hyderabad – Click Here

To Book a PET CT Scan for yourself in Bangalore – Click Here

For Patients from outside India, please send a WhatsApp to +919289135264. And We will call you back. You may also choose to write to us at care@hbgmedicalassistance.com.

People from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, etc., regularly travel to us here in India for cancer diagnostics and treatment. You may kindly feel free to ask for assistance in traveling to India and getting your cancer treatment done here.

What is PET CT used for?

A PET-CT scan may help diagnose disease, such as cancer, plan treatment, or determine how well the treatment works. Superimposition of the two images gives a picture of not only the anatomical details of the structure but also the functional status as well

Common indications for which PET CT is used include Cancer, Heart disease, brain disorders, functional endocrine tumors, etc.

In oncology, which remains its most important indication, it helps in diagnosis, staging, detection of metastasis, monitoring response as well as recurrence

PET CT is used for the detection of a wide range of cancers. It relies on the increased metabolism of the cancer cells for their detection as well as their staging metastasis

A PET-CT scan can also help the doctor:

Understand the stage of the cancer
Find the right place for a biopsy
Understand if your cancer treatment is working
Check for new cancer growth after treatment has ended
Plan radiation therapy

What kind of diseases can PET CT detect?

PET-CT can detect cancers such as Lung cancer, brain tumors, Lymphoma, Head & neck tumors, thyroid cancers, melanoma, cervical, evaluating epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, coronary artery disease, reproductive tract cancers, and a large number of other cancers, as well

Precautions to be taken during a PET CT scan

Do not eat or drink anything except water, for 6 hours before the exam
You may drink water; as much water as you can be helpful, until the arrival
Routine medications may be taken unless you have been instructed otherwise
You should also avoid strenuous exercise for up to 24 hours before your appointment
Wear warm, loose and comfortable clothing
Do not suck or chew candy, gum, or lozenges, 6 hours before the exam
The test may take up to 2 hours

Importance of PET CT for cancer treatment

A CT scan shows detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body. A PET scan can find abnormal activity, and it can be more sensitive than other imaging tests. It may also show changes to your body sooner. Doctors use PET-CT scans to provide more information about the cancer.

Importance of PET CT for transplants

In transplant patients, PET CT is useful in three scenarios

Detection of infection: PET CT detects the sites of increased metabolic activity and can be useful to detect potential infection sites
Detection of transplant rejection: Specific patterns of PET CT can be useful to detect early rejection in transplant patients.
Detection of Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative disorder

Importance of PET CT in detection of Cancer Metastasis

PET/CT is an effective modality for early detection of the primary tumor site in patients with cancer of undetermined primary (CUP) which facilitates early selection of appropriate treatment protocols that will improve patients’ prognosis.

PET can detect clusters of tumor cells that metastasized, or spread, to other tissues or organs.

PET/CT is the most useful test for determining the stage of cancer. It is more accurate than any other test in finding local or metastatic tumors. The sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT in the detection of distant metastases are 97% and 95%, respectively, compared with 56% and 91%, respectively, for the conventional imaging.

Other Diagnostic Tests –

Molecular Testing – to know more about molecular tests and read more click here.

Gene Study or Genetic Studies – To know more about genetic studies and read more click here.

Synthetic Biomarkers – To know more about Synthetic Bio-Markers and read more click here.

Cytogenetics – To Know More about Cytogenetics and read more, click here.

People from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan etc, are regularly traveling to us here in India for getting there cancer diagnostics and treatment. You may kindly feel free to ask for assistance in traveling to India and getting your cancer treatment done here.