HCA Healthcare UK is the first private hospital group in the UK to have the latest fully digital PET-CT scanners. By combining Computised Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology in a total body scanner, they can help diagnose disease earlier.
They give doctors a highly accurate picture of what's happening inside the body and can precisely locate cancerous cells. They're usually used to diagnose and monitor cancer and heart disease in a minimally invasive way. Compared to non-digital scanners, they expose you to a smaller dose of radiation.
For the PET part of the procedure, a radioactive tracer is injected into the body and absorbed by the body's cells. Any cancerous cells will show as 'hot spots' on the scan.The CT scan uses X-rays to produce detailed images of inside the body.
FAQ's about PET CT
-
What is a PET CT scan used for? icon plus
A PET-CT scan is an imaging diagnostic test that helps identify how the function of tissues and organs working in your body. It combines two types of scan to enhance the understanding of the activity in the body.
This type of scan uses a radioactive tracer (a low dose drug entered into your body before the scan) to show the activity. A PET-CT scan can detect some disease before it shows up on other imaging tests such as a individual CT scan.
-
Can a PET CT scan detect cancer? icon plus
A PET CT scan is generally thought to be more accurate in diagnosing cancer than an individual PET or CT scan, as more radioactive material can be identified as collecting in cancer cells than normal cells, and will appear brighter on the scan image. However not all cancers show up on a PET CT scan.
PET CT scans are also used for the following:
- to identify the size of the cancer and whether it has spread (staging cancer)
- to check whether a previously diagnosed cancer has returned
- to plan radiotherapy treatment
A PET CT scan can also be used to monitor how well a type of cancer treatment is working.
Associated scan PET CT
FDG Pet scan
SPECT-CT scan
Our PET-CT scanners
We have PET-CT scanners at the following facilities.
PET-CT scanner at The Harley Street Clinic
Date: 19 March 2019
CQC overall rating: Good
Request an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344