A PET/CT scan is a highly advanced diagnostic tool that merges two imaging technologies—PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography)—into a single scan. This fusion provides both functional and anatomical information, allowing doctors to detect diseases at a very early stage and monitor their progress or response to treatment.
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How It Works:
A small amount of radioactive tracer (commonly FDG – a form of glucose) is injected into the body.
Diseased or high-activity cells (like cancer cells) absorb more of the tracer.
The PET scan detects the radiation from the tracer to show cellular activity.
The CT scan provides detailed anatomical images of the body.
When combined, they offer a comprehensive view—pinpointing both where and how disease is acting in the body.
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Common Applications:
Cancer detection, staging, and monitoring
Evaluation of heart disease, such as reduced blood flow or damaged heart tissue
Neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, or brain tumors
Inflammatory or infectious diseases
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Procedure:
You may need to fast for 4–6 hours before the scan.
After tracer injection, you rest quietly for about 30–60 minutes while it distributes.
The actual scan takes around 20–40 minutes.
You must lie still while the scanner takes detailed images.
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Advantages:
Detects disease earlier than most other imaging methods
Helps in accurate staging and monitoring of cancers
Combines structural clarity (CT) with metabolic detail (PET)
Non-invasive, generally safe with minimal side effects
A PET/CT scan is a powerful tool that helps physicians make faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, especially in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.