An FDG PET-CT SCAN uses 18F-FDG (18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose), a radiotracer which is an analogue of glucose. In this scan, a small amount of radioactive FDG is injected in the body and its distribution is seen in the body using the PET-CT scanner.
Please inform booking staff if you are, or think you could be, pregnant or are breastfeeding
An FDG PET-CT SACN is commonly used in (but not limited to)
The final diagnosis of cancer of cancer is almost always based on a biopsy/histopathology. A biopsy involves taking a small piece of abnormal tissue/blood and analysing it under a microscope. Thus the definitive differentiation between infection and cancer is usually made using biopsy. However, imaging findings on PET-CT imaging can however be quite indicative and may help in diagnosis.
Not all patients will cancer will require a PET-CT SCAN. All cancers are different and need for PET-CT SACN will depend on an individual patient’s requirement. Kindly discuss with your treating oncologist for the need and timing of PET-CT requirement.
Preparations for an FDG PET-CT SCAN will depend on the reason the PET-CT SCAN is being done. In the case of most cancer patients, it is important to have a controlled blood sugar level while the FDG is injected. Therefore, certain instructions including fasting for a duration and stopping certain medications is required. Detailed individualized instructions for each patient are provided when scheduling for a PET-CT SCAN.