Pet/CT Scan
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PET/CT Scan at ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Wagholi
One Powerful Scan. Countless Answers.
At ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Wagholi, we use the latest PET/CT Scan technology to detect, diagnose, and monitor cancer with high accuracy and speed. This scan combines two powerful imaging methods — PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography) — in one single procedure, giving doctors a complete view of both the structure and function of your organs and tissues.
It is considered one of the most important tools in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning today.
What is a PET/CT Scan?
A PET/CT Scan is a special imaging test that helps doctors see:
- Where the cancer is
- How active it is
- Whether it has spread to other parts of the body
- If treatment is working or needs to be changed
It combines:
- A CT scan – which shows clear images of body structures like bones and organs
- A PET scan – which shows how cells and tissues are working, especially if cancer is present
This scan gives more detailed and accurate results than either test alone.
How Does It Work?
- You will be given a small injection of a sugar-like substance (called FDG) that has a tiny amount of radioactive material.
- Cancer cells absorb this sugar more than normal cells, which makes them “light up” in the scan.
- After waiting for around 30–45 minutes, you will lie down on a table that moves slowly into the PET/CT scanner, which looks like a large tunnel.
- The scan is completely painless and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Why is a PET/CT Scan Important in Cancer Care?
A PET/CT scan is useful at many stages of cancer care, including:
Diagnosis
- Helps confirm if a lump or abnormal area is cancerous
Staging
- Shows how big the cancer is and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs
Treatment Planning
- Helps doctors decide:
- If surgery is possible
- Whether to use chemotherapy or radiation
- Which areas need to be treated
Biopsy Guidance
- Shows the best spot to take a biopsy for accurate diagnosis
Treatment Monitoring
- Tells if the current treatment is working
- Helps make decisions about continuing or changing therapy
Detecting Recurrence
- Identifies if the cancer has come back after treatment
What Makes Our PET/CT Services Unique?
At ICTRC Onco-Life Cancer Centre, Wagholi, we offer:
- Latest-generation PET/CT scanner for crystal-clear images
- Faster scan times with more comfort
- Highly experienced radiographers and nuclear medicine experts
- Direct coordination with your oncology team to act on results quickly
- Clean, comfortable outpatient setup with infection control protocols
All scans are interpreted by specialists who work closely with our oncologists to ensure timely and accurate treatment decisions.
Scan Timings & Booking
Days: Monday to Saturday Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Note: Scans are done by prior appointment only to avoid waiting and ensure personalized care. To Book: Contact our radiology reception or call [Insert contact number]
Top Advantages of a PET/CT Scan
- Gives doctors the full picture in one scan
- Avoids unnecessary surgeries or tests
- Tells if a tumour is cancerous or not
- Guides radiation therapy and other treatments accurately
- Detects changes at a very early stage — even before symptoms appear
- Monitors response to treatment and checks for recurrence
- Safe and non-invasive — no cuts, no pain, no hospital stay
A Message from Our Imaging Team
“With the power of PET/CT, we can see not just where the cancer is — but how it’s behaving. This helps us treat it smarter, faster, and more effectively. At ICTRC Wagholi, we ensure that every scan brings you one step closer to healing.”
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.
