Pet/CT Scan
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PET/CT Scan at TGH TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre
A Powerful Tool to Detect and Understand Cancer – Early, Accurately & Safely
At TGH TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we bring you the latest and most precise PET/CT Scan technology to help detect cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.
A PET/CT scan is not just a test — it’s a life-saving window into what’s happening inside your body.
How Does the Test Work?
Here’s what happens during a PET/CT scan:
- A small amount of special sugar (glucose) mixed with a tiny amount of radioactive material is injected into your vein.
- Cancer cells absorb more sugar than normal cells (because they are more active), which helps the scanner “see” them clearly.
- After waiting for the sugar to circulate in your body, you lie down on a table that gently moves into a large, tunnel-shaped scanner.
- The scan takes pictures of your entire body, showing doctors where cancer is, how much is there, and how active it is.
The scan is completely painless and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Why is PET/CT So Important in Cancer Care?
A PET/CT scan gives doctors critical information they can’t get from other tests alone. It helps in:
- Diagnosing Cancer
- Detects cancer before symptoms even appear
- Identifies if a lump or spot is cancerous or not
- Staging the Cancer
- Shows how big the cancer is
- Tells whether it has spread to other parts of the body
- Helps doctors understand the “stage” of your cancer — which is crucial for planning the right treatment
- Planning Treatment
- Helps doctors decide:
- Whether surgery is possible
- Which treatment options are best — like chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy
- If the cancer is shrinking with current treatment or if changes are needed
- Helps doctors decide:
- Checking for Recurrence
- Monitors your body for any signs of cancer coming back after treatment
- Finding the Right Spot for Biopsy
- Guides doctors to the exact area to collect a tissue sample, avoiding unnecessary procedures
What Makes Our PET/CT Scan Different?
At TGH TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, our PET/CT Scan department is equipped with the latest-generation scanner that offers:
- High image clarity for accurate diagnosis
- Faster scanning times for greater comfort
- Lower radiation exposure, making it safer for patients
- Operated by highly trained radiographers and nuclear medicine specialists
- Supported by our expert oncologists, who immediately review results for quick decision-making
PET/CT Scan Timings and Booking
Days: Monday to Saturday Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Note: Scans are done by prior appointment only to reduce waiting time and ensure personal attention.
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.
