PET CT Scan
What is a PET-CT scan?
A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan reveals the body’s biological functions before anatomical changes take place, whereas a CT (Computed Tomography) scan provides detailed structural information, such as the size, shape, and location of anatomical features. Combined, a PET-CT scan enables physicians to accurately diagnose and evaluate conditions like cancer by recognizing high metabolic activity in cells, including breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer and more.
Why is PET-CT recommended when one is diagnosed with cancer?
- To determine whether the cancer has metastasised in the body
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment
- Determine recurrence of cancer following therapy
- Evaluate prognosis
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation for the Scan:
- Arrive at the appointed time after fasting for 6 hours
- During the fasting period, consume only plain water and avoid food
- Inform the staff about any medications you are taking and, if possible, take them at least 6 hours before the scan
- Diabetic patients must notify staff in advance and skip their morning insulin or antidiabetic medication on the day of the scan
- Bring all relevant medical records, including prior reports, films, and a recent blood serum creatinine report (from within the last week).
In the Department:
- You will be provided with hospital clothing
- A brief medical history will be collected, and prior reports will be reviewed
- After registration, a PET nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line
- A small dose of radioactive PET tracer will be administered through the IV, which is painless.
- You may need to drink an oral contrast solution before the scan
- You will wait up to 60 minutes for the tracer to circulate before the scan, which typically lasts 15-30 minutes
- If there are delays or additional imaging needs, the doctor or technologist will explain the situation
After the Scan:
You can resume your normal activities without any restrictions
At Zydus Cancer Hospital, we use a PET-CT scan for:
- Whole Body Scan
- Cardiac PET
- Brain PET
- PSMA PET
- DOTATATE PET, and more
Zydus Cancer Hospital houses the first Biograph Horizon with TRUE V in all of Western India. Every day, we do thousands of PET-CT scans. Our radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists are equipped to handle a variety of cases and guide the patient accordingly.
