In the world of modern diagnostic imaging, PET CT scans has become a revolutionary tool for detecting, staging and monitoring various types of cancer, as well as certain neurological and cardiac conditions. But while this powerful imaging technique offers detailed and highly accurate information, it also raises an important question for many patients and caregivers, which is, ‘How often should a PET CT scan be done?
At Sohana Hospital we believe in patient centric care, enabling the patients themselves to make informed decisions about your health with respect to PET CT scan in Mohali.
What is a PET CT Scan?
A PET ct scan near me is a combination of two imaging technologies in one session. The CT scan provides detailed images of internal organs, while the PET scan reveals how tissues and organs are functioning using a small amount of radioactive tracer.
A PET CT Scan is useful in the following cases:
- Cancer diagnosis and staging
- Assessment of response to treatment
- Detecting recurrence of cancer
- Evaluating brain disorders (like Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy)
- Assessing heart function and damage
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Myocardial Viability
- Fevers of Unknown Origin
- Cancers that need specialized tracers such as FDG, DOTA, PSMA
So, How Often Should You Get a PET-CT?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of PET-CT scans depends on several factors, including:
1. Type of Disease
- Cancer Patients
Patients undergoing cancer treatment may be recommend to get PET CT scans at various stages before during treatment and after treatment to detect recurrence, monitor progress and effect of ongoing treatment. - For patients dealing with neurological conditions, a PET CT scan may be used once during diagnosis or as needed if symptoms progress.
- For patients with cardiac abnormalities, frequency of PET CT scan depends on the condition and whether doctors need to assess ongoing damage or viability of heart tissue.
2. Stage of Treatment or Recovery
- In active treatment, scans might be done every few months to monitor effectiveness.
In remission pet CT scan in Chandigarh may be scheduled once a year or only if symptoms suggest recurrence.
3. Clinical Opinion
Your medical team will recommend scans based on:
- Changes in symptoms
- Blood test results (e.g., tumor markers)
- Physical exam findings
- Prior scan results
Is There a Risk from Frequent PET CT Scans?
PET CT scans involve exposure to radiation, both from the CT scan and the radioactive tracer used in the PET component. While the risk from a single scan is low, repeated exposure to this radiation over time can be harmful especially in younger patients. At Sohana Hospital’s pet CT scan in Chandigarh we follow internationally accepted guidelines and use the lowest effective dose of radiation to ensure patient safety. Our imaging team works closely with cancer specialists to determine the right timing and necessity of every scan. If you’re unsure whether you need a PET ct scan near me, schedule a consultation with our nuclear medicine specialists.