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Is a PET/CT Scan Enough to Detect Cancer? What You Should Know
By Raveena M Prakash
PET CT scan has become an essential tool in cancer diagnosis and its management. But is this scan enough to detect cancer on its own? The answer is more subtly shaded than yes or no. Only a PET/CT scan cannot easily distinguish between any types of malignant and benign tumors, and some types of cancer cannot be detected by this method. Let’s dive deep in and discover more about these tests and their role in cancer diagnosis and treatments.
In this blog, we’ll discover more about how PET CT scans work in patients, their benefits, side effects, and limitations, and when additional tests are needed.
What is a PET CT scan?
A PET CT scan combines two imaging scans, including a PET scan and a CT scan. The PET scan is referred to as positron emission tomography, and the CT scan is also referred to as computed tomography. Performing these two scans provides detailed information about the body’s metabolic activity (PET) and anatomical structures (CT), which further allows the healthcare teams to diagnose and assess various health conditions, including cancer in the suspected cancer patients.
How does PET CT scan work?
The PET scan uses a mild form of radioactive liquid called a radioactive tracer for the test. This radioactive substance shows up areas of the patient’s body where cells are more active than normal. However, the CT scan takes a series of x-ray images of the body and creates a three-dimensional image. Performing these two imaging tests together helps with cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatments.
These scans are highly useful for diagnosing many types of cancer, especially those that are metabolically active in the body. Cancers, including lung, head and neck, colorectal, lymphoma, and melanoma, are clearly shown up during the process.
What does this scan check for?
Your doctor might suggest undergoing this scan to analyse the following.
These may include:
- Detects tumors that are not discovered in the MRIs or CT scans.
- Identify any types of masses that are benign or likely cancerous.
- To discover the spread of cancer (metastasis) to other distant organs
- Evaluate whether cancer treatments are working.
- Detects any types of cancer recurrence in previously treated areas.
How to prepare for the scan?
If you are advised to get these scans for your cancer diagnosis. Then, you should follow some instructions before undergoing the procedure.
These may include:
- Stop eating at least 4 to 6 hours before the procedure.
- Drink a lot of water (only water).
- Wear comfortable clothes and avoid any metal accessories.
- Try not to do any types of exercise or physical activity.
- Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before the tests.
- Carry your list of medications, such as vitamins and anti-allergy medicines, with you.
- Avoid drinking caffeine for 24 hours before the test if you have any heart diseases.
What to expect during the procedure?
You can expect the following during the scan procedure.
- The technician might take a blood test to analyze the blood sugar levels.
- You may get an IV injection of a contrast dye; this dye helps to produce CT scan images.
- The technician will instruct you to lie on the examination table for the scan.
- During the procedure, you are advised to stay calm and remain still; otherwise, the images can get blurred.
- The overall procedure might take about 30 minutes.
- Finally, the technician will review the scans just before you leave the room. They will ensure that the images are clear.
Additional tests
However, these scans have some limitations, and in some cases, they cannot provide more details. Depending on the cancer type, symptoms, and medical history of patients, the doctor often recommends some additional tests.
These may include:
- MRIs: Used for brain, spinal cord, soft tissue cancers
- Ultrasound tests: Used for breast, thyroid and abdominal masses
- Mammogram or X-ray
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
Risks and side effects of a PET CT Scan?
While these scans are generally considered as safe just like any other medical procedures, however, they often come with several side effects in people.
These may include:
- Allergic reactions: Some patients might experience allergic reactions to the dye used in this scan. People might get itchiness, rashes, and heaviness while breathing or difficulty in breathing as well.
- Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects of scans, especially when patients receive some radioactive substances.
- Vomiting: Some patients might experience vomiting after the scan; this usually goes away after some time.
- Headache: Headaches are one of the most common side effects of PET CT scans, they are usually mild and go away on their own after a few hours.
- Dizziness: Some patients might experience dizziness after the scan, this often goes away on its own after a few hours.
- Pain and discomfort: Some patients might experience mild pain or discomfort at the injection site or other parts of the body during or after the scanning.
- Radiation exposure: This scanning involves the use of mild or subtle amounts of radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems over time.
When would I need a PET/CT scan?
Performing these scans is highly helpful, especially in the following situations, including:
- Staging the cancer to find out the extent of spread in the body
- Restaging after starting the treatment to find out the residual or recurrent cancer cells
- Planning for radiation therapy while identifying the location of active cancer
- Monitoring the treatment response mainly for chemotherapy or immunotherapy
Consult Today
In most cases, considering a PET/CT scan is an essential tool for diagnosing cancer and some other diseases. But still, it's not enough for cancer diagnosis and staging, and there are some additional tests and procedures that are needed to confirm the cancer. However, it works the best when combined with other necessary tests and medical evaluations.
At Oncare, we offer high-quality cancer treatments at affordable price packages with experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialists today! Get an estimated cost of PET CT scans and cancer treatment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
PET CT scans often follows some instructions,
these may include:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you should not undergo PET CT scans. The radiation cause tests are harmful to the fetus, and it can also pass to the infant in breast milk.
- Some people might get allergic to PET CT scan and its radiation. If you get any allergic reaction from the CT Scan, then ask the doctors to stop immediately.
- Patients with diabetes may not absorb the sugar in the radiotracer, which often affects the CT Scan results. Try to modify your diet and medication just before the tests.
A PET CT scan is a kind of nuclear medicine imaging. Nuclear medicine also uses small and required amounts of radioactive material called radiotracers, which are usually given through IV. These scans often focus on processes and several molecular activities in the body. These scans often give the chance to find several diseases in their early stages.
If your oncologist suspects any symptoms of cancer, then they might suggest getting a PET CT Scan. This helps to detect cancer or diagnose cancer in suspected patients.
A PET CT Scan check for the signs of diseases, including:
- Cancer including breast, lung and thyroid cancer.
- Coronary artery disease, heart attack, and other heart problems.
- Brain disorders including brain tumors, epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.