Breast PET-CT Scan: Purpose, Preparation and Cost for Cancer Detection

One of the most prevalent cancers amongst women is breast cancer. Family's history and appropriate investigations bring to the doctor's attention a better understanding of the disease and help them plan a careful treatment plan. Depending on a patient's symptoms, diagnosis, and past medical history, they could be given several different imaging tests such as Mammogram, Ultrasound, MRI, and PET-CT.

An advanced imaging examination, called a PET-CT scan, is also able to be used in selected breast cancer patients to help evaluate the spread of breast cancer. It fuses metabolic information within your body with a wealth of anatomical images. Diagnostic imaging services play a key role in helping doctors assess a variety of medical conditions at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy. Patients should be informed of the indication, preparation, and costs of a breast PET-CT scan so that they can make informed decisions with their health care team.

What Is a Breast PET-CT Scan?

A breast PET-CT scan is a combination of the two imaging methods, named Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). At the same time, there is also a small amount of a radioactive tracer (fluorodeoxyglucose or FDG) given through a vein into the body during the exam period. This tracer is useful to demonstrate regions of higher glucose consumption in the body.

Glycolysis is a pathway that may be utilized more by cancer cells than by surrounding noncancer cells, and certain areas of a cancer can thus be identified as areas of increased activity on PET scans. The CT component provides anatomical detail, which helps the doctor locate the areas of increased activity. But when there is more uptake of the tracer, it doesn't always mean cancer. Excessively high levels of activity can also be produced by processes of infection, inflammation, and normal processes of the body. Thus, it is important to not only rely on PET-CT data when interpreting a case, but also clinical and other laboratory results.

Purpose of a Breast PET-CT Scan

A PET scan of the breast typically is not done on all women, but instead has a specific indication.

Assessing the Spread of Breast Cancer

PET-CT can be used when breast cancer has been diagnosed to determine if it has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body and may be useful when there is a clinical need to do this. The information can assist doctors in staging and therapy planning.

Investigating Possible Distant Spread

In some patients, PET-CT can also be used to assess whether the cancer has spread to the bones, liver, lungs, or to distant lymph nodes. How much investigation is required will depend on the stage of the cancer, the symptoms, and the treatment options for the cancer.

Monitoring Treatment Response

In individual cases, PET-CT can be used to evaluate for metabolic change following therapy. Repeat imaging may be useful to compare and assess the response to treatment, but when it is required and when it is too soon depends on the clinical situation.

PET-CT scans are not typically the first test used to check out a breast lump and should not be done as a regular screening test for women who do not have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Each of these tests (mammography, ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy) works differently in the diagnosis of breast cancer. When the imaging tests are suggestive of cancer, a biopsy is usually required to make a diagnosis of cancer.

Who May Need a Breast PET-CT Scan?

Doctors might consider taking a PET-CT if a patient has already been diagnosed with breast cancer and further information on the extent of the disease might lead to a change in treatment. It may also be used when other findings suggest spread, or to assess response to treatment. Not all women with breast cancer will need the scan. Conventional breast imaging and other focused investigations can yield the necessary information in early breast disease. A PET-CT is determined by the treating specialist based on the patient's previous test results and history.

Breast PET-CT Scan Preparation

It is crucial that patients follow the preparation instructions given by the diagnostic centre to obtain useful images. These requirements may differ from tracer to tracer and patient to patient, depending on their medical condition.

Fasting Before the Scan

Patients typically have to refrain from eating for about 4-6 hours prior to the PET-CT scan with FDG. Adhere to the directions/guidelines given by the centre.

Managing Blood Sugar

FDG uptake/ image quality may be influenced by blood glucose levels. Diabetic patients need to let the medical team know prior to the scan when to take their insulin, when to take their medication, and the amount of medication needed.

Informing the Medical Team

Share details of current medical issues or medications, allergies, recent infections, previous surgeries, and cancer treatment with staff. Let them know if you are pregnant or believe you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Wearing Comfortable Clothing

Try to wear comfortable clothes, and, as far as possible, do not wear any metal items as accessories. It is possible to be required to remove jewellery or other items that hinder imaging.

During the Appointment

A radioactive substance is introduced into a vein, and a period of time is allowed to pass to allow the radioactive substance to circulate throughout the body. You will rest quietly, avoiding movement, talking, and physical activity during the uptake period. You are placed on the scanner bed, and then the images are taken. Preparation time and uptake time can also vary, and it is relevant to note that the entire appointment takes longer because of preparation time. Adhere to diagnostic team directions.

Breast PET-CT Scan Cost

The breast PET-CT scan cost may vary depending on various factors such as the type of PET-CT scan/s performed, tracer, and the requirement of other imaging or services. The cost of PET-CT in India is variable from centre to centre, from city to city. The total cost of the services that are provided does not remain the same for all patients. Please confirm the price first with the diagnostic provider.

Patients can call the centre at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy to inquire about the current charges for PET-CT, appointment availability, precautions, and the documents needed. If the doctor has prescribed the scan, there may be other reports that will be of assistance when arranging the scan. When comparing prices, patients should find out what the price covers and if there could be services that are add-on for them.

Benefits and Limitations of Breast PET-CT

PET-CT can provide information regarding both metabolic activity and anatomical features within one examination. If indicated, it can help your doctor assess disease outside of the breast to aid treatment planning. However, there are disadvantages to PET-CT. It may not detect small tumours and can have increased uptake in some benign conditions. Because it uses ionising radiation, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before recommending it. PET-CT will not replace mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI or biopsy. The imaging used will depend on your individual needs and what is being investigated.

Breast Cancer Imaging at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy offers diagnostic imaging services to aid assessment of a variety of medical conditions. If you are considering having a PET-CT scan for your breast, you should discuss why this has been recommended with your oncologist or breast specialist. Prior to your examination, you should confirm why you are having the scan, what preparation is required, how much it currently costs, and how your results will be reported. Providing previous imaging reports and relevant medical records can help your team understand your clinical situation.

Conclusion

A breast PET-CT scan can be an important investigation to assess the spread of breast cancer, including to lymph nodes, and to monitor treatment response. However, it is not routinely used as a screening investigation and is not typically the first investigation for a breast lump. Preparation for the scan will generally involve fasting for the FDG PET-CT scan, controlling your blood sugar if required, and providing your medical team with any relevant medical conditions. 

The cost of the breast PET-CT scan will vary depending on the centre and what is required for your examination. You should contact the centre directly to confirm the latest charges. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, we can provide you with more information about our diagnostic imaging services. We can also discuss with your treating doctor what the correct investigation will be for you.