PET-CT scanner

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.