Role of PET CT Scan in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian PET-CT is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic tool that combines the strengths of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of ovarian health, particularly in suspected cases of ovarian cancer. The PET component uses a radioactive tracer, typically 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), to detect areas of heightened metabolic activity, which are often indicative of cancerous growths. The CT scan simultaneously captures detailed anatomical images, allowing clinicians to accurately localize tumors, assess their size, and detect potential spread to surrounding tissues or distant organs. This dual-imaging approach is essential for early detection, precise staging, and ongoing monitoring of ovarian cancer, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment. Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle but may include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight. Risk factors include obesity, endometriosis, a history of ovarian infections, PCOS, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2), never having been pregnant, and a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Ovarian PET-CT plays a crucial role in guiding clinical decisions, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment strategies tailored to the patient’s condition.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovaries are the part of female reproductive system consisting of walnut sized organ responsible for the production of eggs during fertile years. Ovarian condition is the abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells in the ovary leading to the formation of tumors. These tumors, if kept unchecked or untreated can be fatal for the patient. If the tumors cross the metastatic stage and starts to spreads to other parts of the body, it then involves other organs in this condition. There is not a specific cause for the ovarian cancer as researchers believe that DNA mutation in the cell lining of ovary can create such situations. DNA controls the cell metabolism and growth, mutation can change the gene sequence which eventually can lead to uncontrolled growth of cells and forms tumors. There are various risk factors like PCOS, obesity, older age, endometriosis etc. which can also lead to the ovarian cancer. There are various symptoms related to the ovarian cancer and these include abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, bowel changes, frequent peeing etc. Early detection of ovarian cancer can help to treat the condition early so diagnostic test plays an important role in detecting the ovarian cancer. PET CT is one of the most advanced diagnostic tool that can detect cancer at cellular level and helps in effective treatment.

When a patient should go for PET CT scan to detect Ovarian Cancer?

A patient can go for PET CT scan, if she suspects the symptoms of ovarian cancer. She should also consult the doctor before going for the PET CT because doctor can suggest the best diagnosis test after knowing the symptoms and medical history of the patient.  Doctor can suggest the test if he/she the patient will be having symptoms like:

• If patient is suffering from pelvic pain for long time.
• Patient with vaginal discharge
• Changes in the bowel like constipation and frequent diarrhea 
• Patient has increased size of abdomen
• Change in eating habits, getting full early and loss of appetite.
• Patient peeing frequently than normal.

What are the causes of Ovarian Cancer?

There are no specific causes for the ovarian cancer but researchers believe that change in the DNA of ovarian cells can lead to the abnormality. The abnormality can lead to uncontrolled division of cells leading to the formation of tumors. Various causes associated with the ovarian cancer include:

• Family history with gene mutation at BRCA1 and BRCA 2 or lynch syndrome
• Older age above 60 years are more prone to ovarian cancer
• Obesity is also one factor that can lead to ovarian cancer
• Endometriosis (similar uterus tissue lining grows in ovaries)
• Never been pregnant or having children in later stages of life

Which type of ovarian cancers can be detected by PET CT scan?

Various types of ovarian cancers detected by PET CT scan include:

• Epithelial Ovarian Cancers

• Serous carcinoma
• Mucinous carcinoma
• Endometrioid carcinoma
• Clear cell carcinoma
• Brenner Tumors

• Germ Cell Tumors
• Stromal Cell Tumors
• Borderline Tumors
• Malignant Tumors
• Type I and Type II Tumors

What is Ovarian PET CT scan used to show?

PET CT scan can show all types of cancer at the cellular level. CT is used to show the anatomical picture of the tumors. There are various conditions which can be shown by ovarian PET CT scan and these are:

• To show the type of ovarian cancer
• To show the spread of ovarian cancer
• Cellular changes in the ovarian cells.
• Any abnormal activity of the ovarian cells.
• Reveal the functioning of the ovarian cells. 
• To show primary source of ovarian cancer
• Detection of recurrence of ovarian cancer
• Monitoring treatment responses on ovarian cancer

How to Prepare for Ovarian PET CT Scan?

An Ovarian PET CT scan is an advanced imaging procedure used to detect, stage, and monitor ovarian cancer. It combines metabolic imaging from PET using a radioactive tracer typically 18F-FDG with detailed anatomical visuals from CT to pinpoint tumors and assess their spread. Before the scan, patients must consult a radiologist and share their complete medical history, current medications, and any known allergies, particularly to contrast agents. To ensure accurate results, patients are usually required to fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to the procedure. On the scan day, the tracer is injected, followed by a resting period of about an hour to allow proper absorption. The scanning itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, during which the patient must lie still on a motorized table that moves through the PET CT machine. The full process typically lasts around 2 hours. After the scan, patients are advised to drink plenty of water to help flush the radioactive tracer from the body. This imaging technique is highly effective in guiding treatment decisions and improving outcomes through early and precise diagnosis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ovarian PET CT is a powerful and non-invasive diagnostic technique that plays a critical role in the early detection and management of ovarian cancer. By combining metabolic and anatomical imaging, it helps identify tumors, assess their stage, and detect any spread to nearby or distant organs. Proper preparation, such as fasting for 4–6 hours and sharing complete medical history with the radiologist, is essential for accurate results. After the scan, drinking plenty of water helps flush the radioactive tracer from the body. This advanced imaging method supports personalized treatment planning, improves diagnostic accuracy, and ultimately contributes to better patient outcomes in the fight against ovarian cancer.