Sarvesh Health City

Sarvesh Health city
Sarvesh Health City
Book an Appointment

PET/CT Scans in Cancer Diagnosis: Why They Are Essential

pet-ct-scans-in-cancer-diagnosis-why-they-are-essential

pet-ct-scans-in-cancer-diagnosis-why-they-are-essential

In the healthcare sector, PET and CT scans are commonly used for the early detection of carcinoma and other severe medical conditions. They provide detailed information by determining the actual glucose concentration in diseased cells and can detect cancer at an early stage.

The top PET scan hospital in Hisar, the Sarvesh Health City, has a vision to reduce the burden of cancer and other health conditions in Haryana. In this direction, our hospital installed a variety of modern diagnostic tools such as PET and CT scans. The combination of modern technology provides detailed and precise pictures of cancer and other conditions, resulting in earlier management and patient centric treatment plan which gives better overall outcomes.

What is a PET Scan?

Positron emission tomography, also known as a PET scan, is a modern imaging modality that produces real-time images of a patient’s organs that are suspected of being life-threatening. In PET scans, a small dose of a radioactive chemical or radiotracer is injected into the bloodstream of the patient, which is then absorbed by cells having higher metabolic activity. Then it generates three-dimensional  pictures; on the basis of these pictures physicians diagnose health conditions such as cancer, cardiac and neurological diseases. In several cases of cancer cells, there are bright spots on PET scans due to higher metabolic rates as compared to normal cells. PET scans provide detailed insights on cancer cell types, its progression and the efficacy of treatment. PET scans can also evaluate the region of decreased blood flow in the heart. This information provides a solid base for your healthcare professional to prepare a treatment plan. PET scans can be used to evaluate for certain neurological disorders, such as tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, and seizures.

What is a CT Scan?

A CT (computed tomography) or CAT (computed axial tomography) scan is a modern imaging modality that helps to detect diseases and injuries. It utilizes X-rays and a special computer that develops detailed images at different angles of your bones, organs, and soft tissues, and then combines all images to create a single 3D image. This lets your clinicians evaluate your body precisely as compared to a standard X-ray. CT scans can reveal whether a health condition is getting better or not with treatment.

During a PET scan, a technologist injects a small dose of radioactive tracer into a patient’s vein. Following the injection, the tracer will travel throughout the body, accumulating in tissues and organs. A patient will have to wait roughly an hour for their body to absorb the tracer. Tracers will accumulate inside the tumor cells and inflammatory regions, and then the radio-oncologist will examine the status of your body. The tracer will be detected by the PET scanner, and the detailed information will be shown on a computer monitor as 3-D images. Some imaging centers can also combine PET and CT scans to get better images of cancerous cells.

Your healthcare professional may also suggest a CT scan for a number of reasons. For example, CT scan can be suggested for the diagnosis of muscle and bone conditions, such as bone tumors and fractures. It also used in various procedures like surgery, biopsy, and radiation therapy to observe disease progression and treatment outcomes in cancer, heart disease, lung nodules, and liver masses.

PET Scan vs CT Scan – Key Differences

Computed tomography, or CT scans, utilizes X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans use magnets and radio waves. Both of them produce still images of organs and body structures.

PET scans use radioactive tracers to evaluate the real-time functioning of diseased organs, cells, and tissues. PET scan can determine changes at the cellular level more quickly than CT and MRI scans. Your healthcare provider may do a PET scan and a CT scan at the same time. This combination test produces 3D images that allow for an accurate diagnosis.

PET scan procedures usually take 2-3 hours with the slight requirement of higher radiation, while a CT scan takes only 10-30 minutes and requires moderate exposure to the radiation.

When Do Healthcare Providers Prefer PET Scan Over CT Scan?

A PET scan reveals organ function and metabolism, mainly for cancer staging, brain disorders, and heart viability.  On the other hand, a CT scan reveals detailed anatomy and is used for trauma, lung disease, and routine imaging. PET is an advanced imaging modality, but it is costlier, while CT is quicker, cheaper, and often the first diagnostic step.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice of imaging modality depends highly on your condition, disease severity, and your clinicians’ requirements (detection and functional vs. structural level). Usually, both scans complement each other, with CT as the first step and PET used for detailed staging or treatment planning.  Always follow your doctor’s advice, as they balance accuracy, safety, and cost.

Conclusion

The Sarvesh Health City, Hisar, is a top PET scan hospital in radiology and imaging, actively involved in the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Our department is well equipped with world-class diagnostic and interventional radiological modalities. We have a dedicated team of experienced radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists who ensure precise and fast results for the best disease management. Our team believes that the best treatment strategy only starts with a precise and early diagnosis. We are proud to announce that we have the latest cutting-edge PET/CT scanning facility with the Discovery IQ Gen2 Ody 5.0 PET/CT Scan with Q Clear technology for accurate diagnosis. Through our new PET/CT scan service, Sarvesh Health City has become the top PET scan hospital in Hisar, ensuring that patients do not need to visit tier-1 or metro cities for world-class treatment facilities. We are working with the aim of developing the quality of care by offering advanced dinostic tools.

FAQ

Q1. Difference between PET and CT scans?

Ans. PET and CT scans combine two powerful imaging tests: Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which displays how your cells and tissues work, and Computed Tomography, or CT (the scan produces detailed images of your body’s structure). Together, they provide clinicians with a detailed picture of where cancer is and how active it is.

Q2. Are PET and CT scans useful for cancer detection?

Ans. They help detect cancer early, determining how advanced it is, and planning the best treatment. They also aid in determining the effectiveness of treatment and the likelihood of cancer recurrence following therapy.

Q3. How do PET and CT scans work?

Ans. Before the scan, a small amount of radioactive sugar is injected into a vein. Cancer cells absorb more sugar than normal cells, resulting in “hot spots” on the scan. A CT scan identifies the specific location of these areas in the body.

Q4. What steps should I take to prepare for my scan?

Ans. No eating or drinking for four to six hours before the scan (if you have diabetes, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor), and dress comfortably (no metal accessories).

Q5. How long does the procedure last?

Ans. The entire operation usually takes 2-3 hours, including the wait time between tracer injection and the actual scan, which lasts 30-40 minutes.



Media Resources

Media enquiries

  • Sarvesh Health City
  • Sarvesh Health City Site No. 1, Sector 14, Hisar – 125001 (Haryana)
  • +91 6901 626262
  • +91 6901 636363

Social Media

Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram Youtube

Healthcare at your fingertips

Amit-Grover
DR. AMIT GROVER

SENIOR RADIOLOGIST

Discover why Dr. Amit Grover at Sarvesh Health City is the best radiologist in Hisar ! Trusted care, cutting-edge tech & accurate diagnoses await you!