FDG Whole Body PET CT: Purpose, Procedure, Limitations and Cost in Delhi NCR

PET CT is advanced diagnostic procedure used to look for any type of cancer condition in the body. PET CT uses radioactive tracer for the detection of abnormalities and FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) is common radioactive tracer used for the detection of abnormalities. FDG uptake helps to detect the metabolism of the cells and high uptake of FDG is the sign of cancerous activity of the cells. PET CT whole body is detection of abnormality in all parts of body using FDG as radioactive tracer. Whole body PET CT is very effective in detecting any type of cancer with any size in any part of the body. PET CT whole body is also helpful in detecting the spread of already existing cancer of the body. Most of the patients prefer whole body PET CT to look for whole body condition and its abnormalities at a glance. The cost of whole body FDG PET CT scan in Delhi slightly varies depending on the type of contrast used, machine used to PET CT and other related factors.

FDG Whole Body PET CT Scan

FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) is a radioactive glucose which acts as tracer for this procedure. This glucose is injected in the patient before the scan and waited for about 60 minutes till it reaches to all parts of body. FDG glucose is actively absorbed by cancer cells which help to detect these cells. Whole body FDG scan covers whole body and gives details of hidden abnormalities of the body by using the technology of PET CT machines. This helps in easy, accurate and timely detection of cancers in the body.

Purpose of FDG Whole Body PET CT

FDG PET CT is one of the most powerful tools in modern diagnostics. Its purposes include:

1. Cancer Detection
   • Identifies the presence of cancer anywhere in the body.
   • Detects even very small tumors at an early stage.
2. Cancer Staging
   • FDG whole body helps to localize the cancer and its spread in the body.
   • It is helpful in planning the surgery or any other treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy etc.
3. FDG Whole body helps in Treatment Monitoring
   • FDG helps to detect how cancer is responding to treatment.
   • It helps to determine, whether to continue or stop or change the ongoing treatment of cancer.
4. Detection of Recurrence
   • Identifies whether cancer has returned after treatment.
   • Detects hidden recurrence earlier than conventional scans.
5. Neurological Applications
   • Useful in conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain tumors.
   • Helps in mapping abnormal brain activity.
6. Cardiac Applications
   • Evaluates blood flow and heart muscle viability.
   • Useful in planning bypass surgery or angioplasty.
7. General Health Check in High-Risk Patients
   • Sometimes used as part of preventive health assessment for those with a family history of cancer.

Procedure of FDG Whole Body PET CT

There is a step wise procedure for the FDG whole body PET CT and these steps include:

1. Preparation for FDG whole body PET CT
   • Patient going for FDG whole body PET CT is advised to fast for 6 to 8 hours before going for the test.
   • Patient is asked to only take simple water.
   • Patients with the condition of diabetes are given specific instructions for the medication.
2. Tracer Injection
   • FDG is injected into a vein in the arm.
   • The tracer circulates and gets absorbed by active cells in the body.
3. Resting Phase
   • After injection, patients rest quietly for about 45–60 minutes.
   • Physical activity is avoided to prevent unnecessary FDG uptake in muscles.
4. The Scan
   • The patient lies on a motorized table.
   • The table slowly moves through the scanner, capturing both PET and CT images.
   • The scan itself usually takes 20–30 minutes.
5. After the Scan
   • Patients can return to normal activities.
   • Drinking plenty of water helps flush the tracer from the body.

Benefits of FDG Whole Body PET CT

There are various benefits of FDG whole body PET CT scan and these include:

1.  FDG Whole body PET CT help in Detection of cancers in early stages

• It helps to recognize the cellular changes at the earliest of stages which help in detecting cancer.
• Early detection helps in early and effective treatment of the condition.

2. Whole Body Evaluation

• Scans the entire body in one test.
• Helps detect hidden tumors or secondary disease spread.

3.  FDG PET is usually Safe and Non-Invasive

• The tracer dose is very small and safe for most patients.
• No surgical procedures are required.

4. Saves Time

• Instead of multiple separate tests, one whole body PET CT gives a complete overview.

5. Personalized Medicine

• Helps doctors tailor treatments to individual patients based on the scan results.

Limitations of FDG Whole Body PET CT

There are various limitations of FDG whole body PET apart from having various benefits.

1. FDG PET CT exposes the body towards radiations.
2. PET CT FDG is more expensive considering conventional tests like CT, MRI, X-rays etc.
3. Sometimes FDG PET CT provides false positive results, which can lead to unnecessary treatment.
4. FDG whole body PET CT is not suitable for pregnant women.
5. There is the limited availability of this test and rural areas have less access to this test.

Cost of FDG Whole Body PET CT in Delhi NCR

The cost of whole body FDG PET CT cost in Delhi NCR depends on various factors like location, technology used, radioactive tracer and other such factors. The average cost of FDG PET CT whole body in Delhi may range from Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 30,000. Patient can click here to book FDG Whole Body PET CT at affordable rates in Delhi NCR.

Conclusion

There are various tests used for the detection of cancer in the body. But FDG whole body PET CT scan is specific test with very high accuracy of detecting cancers in the body. This PET CT uses FDG as radioactive tracer which helps to detect the metabolic activities of the cells. There are various benefits and limitations of FDG PET CT scan, but benefits are more which makes it preferable test for cancer detection. The cost of FDG PET CT in Delhi may slightly vary but the average cost can range from Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 30,000 in Delhi NCR.