Pet/CT Scan
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PET/CT Scan
Advanced Cancer Detection with Precision & Confidence
A PET/CT scan is one of the most important tools in cancer diagnosis and monitoring. It helps doctors see cancer in its early stages, determine how much it has spread, and check how well treatment is working.
At Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we use one of the latest and most accurate PET/CT scanners, offering faster scans, clearer images, and high precision results.
What is a PET/CT Scan?
A PET/CT scan is a combination of two tests in one machine:
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) shows how tissues and organs are functioning.
- CT (Computed Tomography) provides detailed images of the body’s structure.
Together, they give doctors a complete view of what’s happening inside your body—both how things look and how they’re working.
How Does it Work?
- You’ll be given a small injection of a radioactive sugar solution (completely safe).
- Cancer cells tend to absorb more sugar than normal cells.
- The scanner picks up this activity and helps locate abnormal or cancerous cells.
- The scan is painless and takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the area being checked.
When is a PET/CT Scan Needed?
Doctors may recommend a PET/CT scan to:
- Detect or confirm cancer.
- Understand the stage of cancer (how far it has spread).
- See if cancer has returned after treatment.
- Plan for surgery or radiation therapy.
- Find the best spot for a biopsy.
- Monitor if treatment is working as expected.
It’s a powerful, non-invasive tool to make informed decisions about your care.
Our expert radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians ensure that every scan is carefully reviewed, helping doctors choose the best treatment path for you.
Service Timing
- Days: Monday to Saturday
- Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Note: Prior Appointment Required
At Onco-Life, we believe early detection can save lives. Our PET/CT facility is equipped with the latest in technology to support timely, accurate, and reliable diagnosis, giving patients the clarity and confidence they deserve.
Benefits of PET/CT at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
- High clarity & precision – captures fine details that help accurate diagnosis.
- Quick scan time – less waiting, more comfort.
- Whole-body screening – detects if cancer has spread to other organs.
- Avoids unnecessary procedures – helps reduce surgeries or tests when not needed.
- Safe & non-invasive – no major side effects, no pain.
- Early detection of recurrence – identifies cancer returning even before symptoms appear.
- Helps track treatment response – shows how well your body is responding to ongoing therapy.
- Guides personalized treatment – helps oncologists tailor treatment plans for better results.
The following are considered to be the biggest advantages of a PET CT Scan
Advantages :
- A powerful source of data to help make the right decisions.
- Helps to avoid a number of invasive procedures
- Can tell whether a tumour is benign or cancerous
- Assists in planning for radiation therapy
- Completely safe
- Can help avoid unnecessary surgery
- Can show all the organ systems of the body in a single exam, showing, for example, whether cancer has spread
- Is an early predictor of the patient’s response to therapy
Most Popular Questions
Satara – PET-CT Scan: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a PET-CT Scanner?
A PET-CT scanner is a special machine that combines two powerful imaging tests—PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography). It helps doctors see not only what your organs and tissues look like but also how they are working. This helps in early and accurate detection of cancer and other serious illnesses.
2. What is the scan process like and how long does it take?
You’ll receive a small injection of a sugar-like substance called a tracer. Your body takes about an hour to absorb this. After that, the scan itself takes around 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll lie still on a table that moves through the scanner. The scan is painless and non-invasive.
3. What should I do before the scan?
- Don’t eat anything (except water) for 6 hours before the scan.
- Follow a low-carb diet 24 hours before.
- Avoid caffeine and exercise on the scan day.
- Diabetic patients should consult their doctor about insulin or medication timing.
4. Why is limiting sugar important before the scan?
The PET scan detects how your body uses sugar. If you consume sugar before the scan, it may reduce the quality of the images, making diagnosis harder. That’s why avoiding sugar before the test is essential.
5. What is the PET-CT scan used for?
It helps detect and monitor:
- Cancer and whether it has spread
- Lung diseases and heart problems
- Brain conditions like epilepsy or memory issues
- Response to ongoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
6. Will I be exposed to radiation?
Yes, but it’s a very small and safe amount. The benefits of finding and monitoring cancer far outweigh the minimal risks of this radiation exposure.
7. Can chemotherapy or radiation affect the PET-CT results?
They don’t interfere with the scan, but they may change what the scan shows (e.g., after successful treatment, cancer may no longer appear on the scan). Your doctor considers this when planning the test.
8. Will the injection affect my blood sugar?
No, the injected tracer is a very small amount and does not impact your blood glucose levels.
9. Can I get a copy of my PET-CT results?
Yes, you will receive a CD with your scan images. A detailed report is shared with your doctor who will explain the results.
10. Does a PET-CT scan cause any allergies?
The tracer used for PET scans is safe and has no known allergic reactions. In rare cases, if contrast dye is used with the CT part, some people may experience mild side effects like itching or nausea.
11. Why avoid caffeine before the scan?
Caffeine can affect how sugar moves in your body, which may affect scan accuracy. That’s why it should be avoided 24 hours before.
12. Is PET-CT used for treatment?
No. It is a diagnostic tool. It helps your doctors make decisions about the best treatment for you.
13. Is the scan painful?
No. The scan is completely painless. The only discomfort may be from lying still for a while or the minor needle prick from the injection.
14. Can I talk to someone if I feel nervous?
Yes. Our staff at Onco-Life are trained to help you feel at ease and will answer any questions you may have before the scan.
15. Can children or elderly patients undergo PET-CT scans?
Yes, with proper preparation and guidance, PET-CT scans can be safely done for patients of all ages.
16. How does PET-CT differ from MRI or X-ray?
- X-ray: Good for bones and simple problems.
- CT: Shows detailed images of organs and soft tissues.
- MRI: Shows nerve, brain, and spinal problems.
- PET-CT: Shows how organs and tissues are working, not just how they look.
17. Can I go home right after the scan?
Yes. You can resume normal activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
18. Can I bring someone with me for support?
Yes, a family member or friend can accompany you, though they may have to wait outside during the scan.
19. What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Inform your doctor. Special precautions will be taken or the test may be postponed to ensure safety.
20. How accurate is a PET-CT scan?
It is highly accurate, especially in detecting cancer early or checking if a treatment is working.
21. Is PET-CT available at Onco-Life Cancer Centre?
Yes, we have one of the most advanced PET-CT machines, providing high precision, comfort, and fast results.
22. Is there any preparation for after the scan?
Drink plenty of water to flush out the tracer. Avoid close contact with pregnant women and infants for a few hours as a precaution.
23. How soon will my doctor get the results?
Reports are usually ready within 24–48 hours and will be discussed with you by your doctor.
24. Is PET-CT covered under insurance?
Most insurance providers do cover PET-CT scans, especially if advised by an oncologist. Our TPA department helps with claims.
