PET-Scan (PET-CT) in Turkey | Precision imaging and rapid diagnosis

What is a PET-Scan or PET-CT?

The PET scan, or Positron Emission Tomography (PET), is an advanced medical imaging technique that allows visualization of the metabolic activity of tissues. In practice, the PET scan is often combined with a standard CT scan, hence the term PET-CT.

Unlike an MRI or a basic CT scan that shows the structure of organs, the PET scan reveals how the body's cells are functioning. It can therefore detect abnormalities even before they become anatomically visible.

In other words, the PET scan doesn't just show “where” a lesion is, but also “how it behaves.”

If you need to undergo a PET scan or simply wish to learn more, our teams in Turkey are available to assist you and answer all your questions.

How does the test work?

The PET-CT scan works by injecting a mildly radioactive tracer into the bloodstream, usually glucose-based. This tracer is preferentially absorbed by cells with high metabolic activity, such as cancerous, inflammatory, or infectious cells.

Cells that consume a lot of energy absorb more of this tracer, allowing the scanner to detect specific signals known as positron emissions. Using highly sensitive detectors, the PET scan can accurately identify areas of abnormal activity, also referred to as “hot spots.”

These images not only provide the exact location of abnormalities but also offer crucial insight into their function and progression. This makes the PET scan an essential tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of numerous conditions, especially cancers, infections, and certain neurological disorders.

When is PET-Scan recommended?

PET-Scan is now a reference tool in many medical specialties. It is especially useful in oncology, neurology, and cardiology, thanks to its ability to detect early cellular-level abnormalities.

Its main indications include:

• Cancer detection (lung, breast, colon, brain, thyroid, lymphoma, etc.),even before tumors are palpable or clinically apparent.
• Searching for metastases or recurrence after treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
• Staging of tumors, to assess how far they have spread in the body.
• Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, or Parkinson's disease.
• Certain cardiovascular diseases, particularly to analyze ischemia or assess the viability of heart muscle.
• Therapeutic monitoring, by measuring the effectiveness of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Are you considering a PET-Scan or looking for a second medical opinion before making a decision? Our specialists in Turkey are here to listen, guide you step by step, and offer reliable, fast, and personalized care.

Contact us today to ask your questions or book a free and confidential teleconsultation with an expert.

Specific contraindications

Although PET-Scan is a non-invasive and generally well-tolerated examination, certain situations require precautions or may represent temporary contraindications.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Due to even low-level radiation exposure, this exam is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless medically justified in an emergency.
• Poorly controlled diabetic patients: High blood sugar levels can interfere with results, as the radioactive tracer (often glucose-based) is less effectively absorbed. It is therefore crucial that diabetes is stabilized before the scan.
• Claustrophobic individuals: The exam is performed while lying inside a tunnel-like scanner. If you suffer from claustrophobia, inform the team beforehand accommodations can be arranged (mild medication, reassuring support, etc.).
• History of allergy to contrast agents: While PET-Scan rarely uses iodine-based contrast, some PET-CT protocols may involve it. Be sure to mention any known allergies before the exam.

How is a PET scan performed in Turkey?

PET-Scan is a simple, painless, and non-invasive procedure. It does not require hospitalization and is typically completed within a few hours.

Here are the key steps of the procedure:

1. Preparation for the exam: You will need to fast for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. Upon arrival, a nurse will check your blood sugar level to ensure the tracer will be properly absorbed by your body. It is important to avoid intense physical activity the day before.
2. Tracer injection: A mildly radioactive tracer is injected intravenously. Most commonly, it's FDG, a glucose-based compound marked with fluorine. This tracer is safe and painless.
3. Waiting period: After the injection, you will rest comfortably in a quiet room for 30 to 90 minutes. This allows the tracer to distribute and accumulate in tissues with high metabolic activity (such as tumor cells).
4. Scanning: You will lie on a motorized table that slowly slides through a scanning ring. The scan itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It is completely painless and not claustrophobic.
5. After the exam: Once the scan is complete, you may return home immediately. There are no significant side effects, but it is recommended to drink plenty of water in the following hours to help flush the tracer from your body.

Limits of PET-Scan diagnosis

PET-CT is not always the first-line examination. In some cases, it is used as a complementary test to other imaging methods, to refine a diagnosis or assess treatment response.

PET-Scan has shown limitations in the following cases:

• Small lesions that may go undetected: Very small tumors (less than 5 mm) may emit signals too weak to be detected by the PET-Scan. This doesn't mean they don't exist, but rather that they fall outside the current detection capability.
• Risk of false positives: The PET-Scan detects any high metabolic activity… which can also occur in infections, inflammation, or even localized trauma. It may mistakenly suggest a malignant tumor.
• Certain cancers that are less visible: Some slow-growing cancers, such as prostate or liver cancers, absorb very little of the radioactive tracer. As a result, they may go unnoticed or appear less clearly than more metabolically active tumors.

What are the alternatives to PET-Scan in Turkey?

Depending on your medical history and the areas to be examined, other imaging or diagnostic tests may be recommended, either on their own or in addition to a PET-Scan. Here's an overview of the most common options:

Every case is unique. That's why our specialists guide you in choosing the most appropriate tests for your situation, avoiding unnecessary procedures and ensuring a smooth and personalized care path.

Do you have questions or need personalized guidance? Our specialists in Turkey are available to answer your concerns, review your test results, and advise you on any additional tests that may be needed.