A PET-CT scan is a powerful diagnostic tool that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) into one test. It provides both structural and functional images of the body, offering precise insight into organs and tissues. The scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer—usually a glucose-based compound—that highlights areas of abnormal cellular activity. These show up brighter on the scan, helping doctors detect disease early, often before symptoms appear.
PET-CT scans are widely used across medical fields. In oncology, they help with early tumour detection, staging cancer, evaluating treatment response, and guiding biopsies. In neurology, they assist in diagnosing dementia, brain tumours, and epilepsy. In cardiology, PET-CT evaluates heart muscle function after heart attacks, and helps diagnose conditions like myocarditis. It's also valuable in detecting infections and inflammation, especially in cases like unexplained fevers, prosthetic infections, or tuberculosis. PET-CT is also used for targeted molecular imaging, such as PSMA scans for prostate cancer and DOTA scans for neuroendocrine tumours.
During the scan, a tracer is injected into your bloodstream and allowed to circulate. You’ll rest quietly while this happens. The scan itself takes 30–60 minutes and is painless. Patients are advised not to eat 4–6 hours before the test. Afterward, you can resume daily activities but should drink water to help flush out the tracer. Brief precautions, like avoiding close contact with infants or pregnant women, may be suggested.
The benefits of PET-CT are significant. It can detect disease earlier than other tests, provide a more complete view of body function and structure, and help doctors plan accurate treatments. This makes PET-CT a crucial tool in modern medical care.
