What Is a PET/CT Scan and How Can It Help Detect Cancer?

The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a powerful tool that can assist in early detection and informed decisions.

At Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy, we use advanced medical imaging PET/CT technology that in some cases may help detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

What Is a PET/CT Scan?

A PET/CT scan is a powerful and gentle imaging tool we use to help find answers early—when it matters most.

It combines two types of scans in one appointment:

  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) looks at how your cells are functioning, detecting changes in metabolic activity that may be early signs of cancer—even before anything shows up on other scans.

  • Computed Tomography (CT) takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body, helping us see the exact location and size of anything unusual.

Together, these scans give us a complete picture: how things look and how they’re working. This makes PET/CT one of the most effective tools for early cancer screening, accurate tumor detection, and monitoring treatment progress.

Why Is a PET/CT Scan Useful for Diagnosing Cancer?

A PET/CT scan is one of the most advanced tools we have to help detect and diagnose cancer—and often, much earlier than other tests.

It combines two powerful types of imaging to give your care team both a detailed view of your body and insight into how your cells are functioning. This can be especially helpful if you have ongoing symptoms, follow-up needs, or if your doctor wants to take a closer look.

Here’s how a PET/CT scan can support your care:

✅ Detect Cancer Early
In some cases a PET/CT can reveal abnormal cellular activity before physical changes appear on CT or MRI scans—making it a valuable tool for early cancer detection.

✅ Improve Diagnostic Accuracy
By showing both metabolic activity and structural detail, PET/CT helps distinguish between benign and malignant conditions, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary procedures or biopsies.

✅ Plan the Right Treatment
PET/CT provides precise information about tumor location, size, and activity, helping your doctor choose the most effective treatment plan for your unique needs.

✅ Monitor Your Progress
Whether you’re starting treatment or checking for recurrence, PET/CT allows us to see how well your body is responding—so your care stays on the right track.

⚠️ Every PET/CT scan is recommended thoughtfully by your healthcare provider, based on your medical history and personal health goals. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the process with compassion and care.

Is a PET/CT Better Than CT or MRI?

In many situations—especially when it comes to detecting or managing cancer—a PET/CT scan can offer more detailed and helpful information than a CT or MRI alone.

Here’s why:

  • CT and MRI are excellent at showing the structure of your body—things like the size, shape, and location of organs or masses.

  • PET/CT, on the other hand, goes a step further by showing how your cells are actually functioning and behaving through metabolic activity. This can help spot signs of active disease much earlier, even before structural changes occur.

By combining both anatomical imaging (CT) and functional imaging (PET), a PET/CT scan gives your care team a more complete picture. That means greater accuracy in diagnosing cancer, determining how far it may have spread (staging), and planning the most effective treatment.

Your doctor will recommend the imaging test that best fits your specific health needs, but when there’s a concern about cancer or complex disease, PET/CT is often the best choice for clarity and confidence.

Can PET/CT Be Used for Cancer Screening?

Yes, in some cases a PET/CT scan can be a helpful tool for cancer screening—especially if you’re at higher risk or have early symptoms that need closer attention.

While PET/CT is not typically used as a general screening test for everyone, it may be recommended when there’s a concern about early cancer detection, a family history of cancer, or other health factors that raise your risk. Because it shows both metabolic activity and anatomical detail, PET/CT can help identify abnormal cell behavior before more obvious signs of disease appear.

We’re here to help you understand what’s best for your health. If you’re wondering whether a PET/CT scan is right for you, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced physicians. They’ll review your medical history, talk through your concerns, and guide you toward the best next steps—with clarity and compassion.

What Conditions Can PET/CT Help Identify?

A PET/CT scan is a powerful, non-invasive imaging tool that helps doctors understand what’s happening inside your body—often at the cellular level, before other tests can detect changes.

It’s most commonly used in cancer care, helping your doctor:

  • ✅ Detect cancer early by identifying abnormal metabolic activity

  • ✅ Determine the stage of cancer (how far it has spread)

  • ✅ Monitor treatment response to see how well your body is responding to therapy

  • ✅ Check for recurrence after cancer treatment is complete

But PET/CT isn’t just for cancer. It’s also helpful in evaluating other complex health conditions, including:

  • 🔍 Infections and inflammatory diseases that may not show clearly on other scans

  • ❤️ Heart conditions, such as areas with reduced blood flow or damaged heart muscle

  • 🧠 Neurological disorders, including some types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy

Because PET/CT shows both how things look and how they function, it gives your care team a more complete picture—so they can make the most informed decisions for your health.

If you’re unsure whether PET/CT might be right for your situation, we’re here to talk through your symptoms and medical history in a supportive, no-pressure consultation.

Types of PET/CT Scans We Offer

At Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy, we provide specialized PET/CT scans designed to give your care team the most detailed and accurate information possible.

Here are the main types of scans we offer:

✅ Full-Body PET/CT Scan
This scan is ideal for detecting, staging, and monitoring cancer anywhere in the body. It helps find abnormal metabolic activity that could indicate cancer or other diseases—giving your doctor a comprehensive overview.

✅ Brain PET/CT Scan
Used to evaluate neurological conditions like dementia or epilepsy, and to check if cancer has spread to the brain. This scan provides critical insights into brain function and metabolism.

All of our PET/CT scans use FDG-18, a safe glucose-based radiotracer that highlights areas of increased metabolic activity—often a sign of disease or abnormal cells. Each exam is performed by skilled, caring technologists and carefully reviewed by our team of board-certified radiologists to ensure the most accurate results for your diagnosis and care.

If you have questions about which scan is right for you, we’re always happy to help guide you through your options with a friendly, personalized approach.

Is a PET/CT Scan Right for You?

Speak with one of our doctors to find out if a diagnostic PET scan is a good fit for your health goals.

Our facilities are near San Diego and we provide free parking and round transportation.

Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy

Calle Los Viñedos #4000-E
Parque Industrial El Bajío,
Tecate, B.C. México C.P. 21430
(619) 258-2102
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