PET-CT scan

A PET-CT scan combines a CT scan and a PET scan. It gives detailed information about your cancer.

The PET scan uses a mildly radioactive liquid called a radioactive tracer. This shows up areas of your body where cells are more active than normal. PET stands for positron emission tomography.

The CT scan takes a series of x-rays from all around your body and puts them together to create a 3 dimensional (3D) picture. CT stands for computed tomography.

You usually have a PET-CT scan in the radiology or nuclear medicine department as an outpatient. A ​radiographer​ operates the scanner. It usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. But you will be in the department for around 2 hours. 

These scanners tend to be available only in the major cancer hospitals. So you might have to travel to another hospital to have one.

Getting your results

You should get your PET-CT scan results within 1 or 2 weeks.

Ask your doctor, radiographer or nurse how long it will take to get them. Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.

Waiting for test results can be a worrying time. You might have contact details for a specialist nurse. You can get in touch with them for information and support if you need to. It may help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.