Introduction

A PET-CT scan (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography) has become a cornerstone in modern cancer care. It is a hybrid imaging technique that merges the metabolic information from PET with the anatomic detail from CT to provide a single, highly informative image. For patients and families in Mohali and the wider Punjab region, PET-CT plays a crucial role in diagnosing, staging, monitoring response to therapy, and detecting recurrence in many types of cancer.

Globally, cancer remains a major health challenge. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN 2020 data, there were approximately 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2020. India contributed over 1.3 million of those new cases, and regional registries in Punjab show an upward trend in certain common cancers such as breast, head and neck, and lung cancers. This rising burden highlights why accurate imaging like PET-CT is increasingly in demand in Mohali and neighbouring cities (Chandigarh, Zirakpur, Panchkula).

If you are searching for "PET scan hospital near me" or "best PET CT centre in Punjab", understanding what PET-CT does, when it is needed, how to prepare, and what it costs in Mohali will help you make informed decisions. This article is written for patients and caregivers and includes practical details about PET-CT at Livasa Hospitals — Livasa Mohali, including how to book an appointment (call +91 80788 80788 or visit Book PET CT appointment Livasa Mohali).

When is pet-ct needed for cancer in Mohali

PET-CT is used across the entire cancer pathway. At Livasa Mohali and other oncology centres in Punjab, common indications include:

• Initial staging: When a new cancer diagnosis is made, PET-CT helps determine the extent (stage) by showing the primary tumor and any regional lymph nodes or distant metastases.
• Assessment of treatment response: After chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation, PET-CT can distinguish between scar tissue and persistent active disease.
• Detecting recurrence: If tumour markers rise or symptoms recur, PET-CT is highly sensitive to find recurrent cancer before structural changes are obvious on CT or MRI.
• Characterization of indeterminate lesions: A lesion seen on ultrasound/CT/MRI that is metabolically active on PET-CT may suggest malignancy, guiding biopsy or management.
• Guiding biopsy or radiotherapy planning: PET-CT can help direct biopsy to the most active area of a tumour and define radiotherapy targets precisely.
• Whole-body survey for cancers that spread widely: Lymphomas, melanoma, lung, colorectal and metastatic cancers often benefit from whole body PET-CT.

In Mohali, oncologists often request PET-CT for cancers where metabolic activity correlates with disease aggressiveness—such as lung cancer, certain head and neck cancers, lymphoma, gastrointestinal cancers, and metastatic breast cancer. It is particularly useful when other scans are equivocal or when a single test that provides both metabolic and anatomic detail is preferred.

Not every cancer patient needs a PET-CT. For very early-stage cancers confined to small anatomic areas, ultrasound or contrast-enhanced CT or MRI might suffice. Decisions are usually individualized by a multidisciplinary team (medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgical oncologist, and nuclear medicine physician) based on disease type, prior imaging, and treatment goals.

How pet-ct works: the role of nuclear medicine Mohali

PET-CT is a nuclear medicine test. It begins with administration of a radiotracer — most commonly 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). FDG is a glucose analogue labeled with the positron-emitting isotope fluorine-18. Because many cancers consume more glucose than normal tissues, FDG accumulates in malignant lesions, providing a metabolic “hotspot” that the PET scanner detects.

The CT component provides precise anatomical localization and attenuation correction (an adjustment that improves PET image quality). The combined PET-CT study therefore yields images showing both metabolic activity and exact anatomic position. At Livasa Mohali’s nuclear medicine department, experienced technologists and nuclear medicine physicians coordinate to ensure high-quality imaging and accurate interpretation.

Typical technical steps include:

• Radiotracer injection: A small intravenous injection of FDG is given; the dose is weight-based and follows radiation safety guidelines.
• Uptake period: Patients rest quietly for approximately 45–90 minutes to allow tracer distribution. Movement or talking during uptake can cause false findings, particularly in head and neck cancers.
• Scan acquisition: The PET and CT images are acquired in a single session, usually taking 20–40 minutes depending on the area scanned (whole body vs limited).
• Image processing: The PET and CT datasets are fused, and images are generated in multiple planes. Nuclear medicine physicians analyze standardized uptake values (SUVs) and patterns of tracer uptake.

The accuracy of PET-CT depends on patient preparation, tracer selection, and technical factors. Other tracers (e.g., PSMA for prostate cancer, DOTATATE for neuroendocrine tumours) may be used for disease-specific imaging. Livasa Mohali’s nuclear medicine services include access to protocol-driven tracers where indicated, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate study for their cancer type.

How to prepare for pet-ct in Mohali: fasting instructions and practical tips

Preparation is key to an accurate PET-CT. Poor preparation can lead to false-positive or false-negative results. Below are detailed, practical instructions typically used at PET-CT centres in Mohali including Livasa Mohali. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your imaging centre or referring doctor.

General fasting instructions

• Fast for at least 4–6 hours before the scan (water is allowed).
• Avoid carbohydrate-rich foods and sugary drinks for 24 hours before the scan.
• Do not eat during the uptake period after tracer injection; you may sip water.

Medications and diabetes

Patients with diabetes need special instructions because high blood glucose reduces FDG uptake into cancer cells and may impair image quality. Typically:

• Discuss your diabetic medications with the nuclear medicine team several days before the scan.
• Short-acting insulin may be avoided immediately before the scan; long-acting insulin schedules may be adjusted—only under physician guidance.
• Bring your glucose meter and snacks in case of hypoglycaemia after fasting.

Special situations

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: PET-CT is generally avoided in pregnancy unless benefits exceed risks. Breastfeeding mothers should follow centre-specific advice regarding milk expression and timing.
• Pediatric PET-CT in Mohali: Children often require sedation for motion control. Centres such as Livasa Mohali provide paediatric nuclear medicine protocols—discuss fasting, sedation, and parental presence with the team.
• Medications: Continue most medications unless instructed otherwise. Certain drugs may interfere with tracer uptake—review your medications with the team.

Practical tips for your appointment at Livasa Mohali

• Arrive 15–30 minutes early for paperwork and baseline checks.
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal objects; remove jewellery and belts.
• If claustrophobic, discuss anxiolytics with your referring physician or the nuclear medicine team.
• Bring previous imaging and reports for comparison; this helps the interpreting physician.

For step-by-step personalized instructions, call Livasa Mohali at +91 80788 80788 or book PET CT appointment Livasa Mohali.

Cost of pet-ct scan in Mohali and Punjab: what to expect

Cost is an important consideration for many families. PET-CT pricing in Mohali and across Punjab varies depending on multiple factors: whether the study is whole-body or region-specific, the tracer used (FDG vs disease-specific tracers), hospital infrastructure, physician fees, and whether sedation or additional procedures (e.g., CT contrast) are required.

Typical cost ranges (approximate, subject to change)

• Standard FDG PET-CT (regional): INR 8,000 – 18,000
• Whole-body FDG PET-CT Mohali: INR 12,000 – 30,000
• Specialized tracers (e.g., PSMA, DOTATATE): INR 20,000 – 45,000 depending on tracer availability and processing costs
• Pediatric PET-CT and sedation: may have additional charges for anaesthesia or monitoring

At many centres in Punjab, including Livasa Mohali, pricing is positioned to be competitive while maintaining high-quality imaging standards. For an accurate quote for "PET CT scan cost Mohali" or "PET CT scan cost in Mohali for cancer" it is best to contact the imaging centre directly. Livasa Mohali can provide a tailored estimate depending on the required scope of the study and any insurance coverage.

Insurance and financial considerations

Many health insurance policies in India provide coverage for diagnostic PET-CT when deemed medically necessary. However, coverage differs by insurer and policy. Claims often require a clinician’s referral and pre-authorization. Discuss insurance pre-authorization with the hospital billing team and bring your policy documents to the appointment. Livasa Hospitals has a billing and patient-coordination team to assist with insurance queries and pre-authorization.

To check availability of specialized tracers or package pricing, call Livasa Mohali on +91 80788 80788 or use the online booking link: book PET CT appointment Livasa Mohali.

Pet-ct versus other imaging tests: comparisons and decision making

PET-CT is a powerful tool but not a blanket replacement for all imaging. Selection depends on the clinical question. Below is a clear comparison between PET-CT, CT, MRI and bone scan to help patients and clinicians decide which test is most appropriate.

For many cancers, PET-CT complements rather than replaces CT or MRI. For example, liver lesions may be best characterized with MRI, while PET-CT adds metabolic context. Your oncology team in Mohali will recommend the most appropriate modality based on tumour type and clinical questions.

Safety, side effects and limitations of pet-ct in Mohali

Patient safety is a priority in nuclear medicine. PET-CT is generally safe when performed according to established protocols, but it is important to understand potential risks, side effects, and limitations.

Radiation exposure

PET-CT delivers ionizing radiation from two sources: the radiotracer (PET) and the CT scan. The radiation dose varies with the tracer dose and CT parameters. While doses are higher than a single diagnostic X-ray, they are within accepted safety limits for medical imaging and are justified by the clinical benefits in cancer management. Special precautions are taken for pregnant patients. Nuclear medicine specialists at Livasa Mohali follow ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles to minimize exposure.

Side effects

• Most patients experience no direct side effects from FDG. Rarely, mild allergic reactions to CT contrast (if used) can occur.
• Injection site discomfort or bruising is possible.
• Diabetic patients may experience hypoglycaemia if instructions are not followed—careful monitoring prevents this.

Limitations and pitfalls

• False positives: Inflammation, infection, or recent surgery can show increased FDG uptake and mimic cancer.
• False negatives: Certain low-metabolism tumours (some prostate cancers, low-grade neuroendocrine tumours) might not show significant FDG uptake.
• Resolution limits: Lesions smaller than ~5 mm may not be reliably detected.

Understanding these limitations helps clinicians interpret PET-CT in the full clinical context. When necessary, disease-specific tracers such as PSMA or DOTATATE improve sensitivity for prostate cancer or neuroendocrine tumours respectively—services increasingly available in referral centres across Punjab including Livasa Mohali.

Interpreting results and next steps after a pet-ct

After the scan, images are processed and read by a nuclear medicine physician and often discussed with the referring oncologist. Typical timelines and steps at most centres in Mohali include:

• Report timing: Preliminary results may be available the same day; final detailed reports with SUV measurements are usually ready within 24–48 hours. Urgent cases can be expedited.
• Multidisciplinary review: Results are often reviewed in a tumour board setting (medical, surgical, radiation oncologists, radiologist/nuclear medicine) to plan treatment.
• Actions after PET-CT: Depending on findings, your team may recommend biopsy, surgery, systemic therapy modification, radiotherapy planning, or observation with follow-up imaging.
• Communication: Expect your treating physician to explain findings in terms of disease stage, treatment response, or recurrence risk. Ask for copies of images and reports for future reference.

At Livasa Mohali, PET-CT reports are integrated into the patient’s electronic medical record and discussed during oncology consultations. If PET-CT identifies unexpected findings, the nuclear medicine physician will flag them for prompt clinical correlation and necessary intervention.

Choosing the best pet-ct centre in Punjab: why Livasa Mohali

When searching for "PET CT scan centers in Mohali" or "best PET CT hospital in Mohali", consider several important factors:

• Accredited nuclear medicine department: Look for centres with certified nuclear medicine physicians and quality assurance protocols.
• Modern equipment and tracers: Up-to-date PET-CT scanners and availability of disease-specific tracers increase diagnostic accuracy.
• Multidisciplinary oncology care: Access to tumour boards, on-site oncology specialists, radiation therapy and surgical teams ensures coordinated management.
• Patient support services: Counselling, financial guidance, and assistance with insurance pre-authorization are valuable.
• Clear communication and timely reporting: Rapid turnaround and clear explanation of results help guide treatment decisions.

Why choose Livasa Mohali? Livasa Hospitals’ Mohali centre combines a dedicated nuclear medicine department with experienced nuclear medicine physicians and integrated oncology services. The centre provides disease-specific imaging protocols, pediatric-friendly approaches, and patient-centric scheduling. For bookings or queries about PET CT scan cost in Mohali for cancer or specialized tracers, contact +91 80788 80788 or book PET CT appointment Livasa Mohali.

Livasa Mohali also supports patients from nearby areas (Chandigarh, Zirakpur, Kharar, Panchkula) who search for "PET scan near me Punjab" or "PET scan hospital near me Mohali" and want a high-quality, compassionate imaging experience with timely results and integrated treatment planning.

Frequently asked questions about pet-ct in Mohali

Below are concise answers to common questions patients ask when considering PET-CT in Mohali:

• How long does the PET-CT appointment take? Plan for 2–3 hours from arrival to completion because of fasting, tracer uptake time (45–90 minutes), and scan duration (20–40 minutes).
• When will I get results? Preliminary results may be discussed the same day; final reports are usually provided within 24–48 hours.
• Is the scan painful? No. The procedure is painless; you will receive an IV injection and then rest comfortably during uptake and scanning.
• Can insurance cover PET-CT? Many policies cover PET-CT when it is medically indicated; pre-authorization may be required. Check with the hospital billing team and your insurer.
• Is PET-CT safe for children? Yes, with paediatric protocols and sedation if needed. Discuss concerns with your referring physician and the imaging team.

If you have additional questions specific to your condition, please contact the nuclear medicine team at Livasa Mohali on +91 80788 80788 or book PET CT appointment Livasa Mohali.