What is the Cost of a PET Scan for Cancer?

PET Scan Cost in India: Prices & Factors Affecting Expenses

A PET scan is an imaging test that reveals the biochemical or metabolic functions of organs and tissues in the body. During this scan, radioactive tracers are used to monitor and diagnose various illnesses, including cancer. A PET scan is considered an expensive diagnostic examination compared to other CT scans. In India, the cost of a PET scan depends on the use of radiopharmaceuticals, scan type, hospitalisation expense, technological advancement cost, and location.  

Understanding PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan, also known as a PET scan, enables doctors to assess the function of various body parts. This imaging test utilises radioactive drugs to detect the presence of biochemical changes in organs or tissues. PET scans are used to check cellular issues and oxygen intake or flow.

This scan procedure works by detecting specific areas of the body with high metabolic activity, which indicates the presence of cancerous cells. The scan procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours, including the injection of the tracer, its distribution in the body, absorption in tissues or organs, and machine detection.    

Cost of a PET Scan for Cancer in India

The average cost of a PET scan in India ranges from approximately Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 35,000. However, prices vary depending on the location of the hospital and different cities in India. The table below outlines the price range for various PET scans.
 

Furthermore, the price range of PET scans in various Indian cities is presented in a tabular format.

To get a laboratory examination for identifying and monitoring metabolic and cellular activities, you can buy a comprehensive health insurance policy. Most health insurance covers diagnostic test expenses, along with medical consultations, post- and pre-hospitalisation procedures, pharmaceutical needs, and the cost of therapies.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a PET Scan

Some key factors that can affect PET scan expenses include:

• Hospital infrastructure, location, and facilities
• Pre and post-hospitalisation operative costs
• Accommodation cost
• Type of organs or tissues affected  
• Condition severity
• Surgeon’s charges

Types of PET Scans for Cancer

Depending on the functions of tissues or organs and scans that need to be targeted, there are different types of PET scans.

• F18 PSMA: This kind of PET scan evaluates and identifies the recurrence and growth of cancer cells.
• Fluorodeoxyglucose: It is a sugar-like substance that has a high affinity and helps to detect tumours through finding and monitoring any injection, brain function, and inflammation. Mainly used to diagnose lung cancer cells.  
• Gallium Ga Dotatate: This PET scan helps detect tumour cells that originate from specific body cells that produce hormones.
• Full Body PET Scan: It responds as an imaginary detection of the entire metabolic activity of the body and manages certain diseases.
• Cardiac PET Scans: This is a combined test of PET and CT scans that visualises heart function and flow, metabolic activity, and oxygen usage.   

Importance of PET Scan for Cancer in India

The fundamental importance of conducting PET scans involves:

• PET scans are mostly applicable for detecting cancer cells, cardiovascular ailments, and brain disorders, including central nervous system disorders.
• It diagnoses various cancers like colon, breast, prostate, thyroid, lymph nodes and lung cancers.
• Monitor and visualise the heart functions of patients, including clogged arteries and post-heart attack conditions.  
• Evaluate conditions to guide during extraction biopsies and other surgical procedures.
• PET scan helps to manage epilepsy and detect dementia and neurological symptoms in patients who have brain disorders.

A PET scan is a specialised medical test that uses radioactive tracers to create images of the anatomical details of organs or tissues, as well as their metabolic activities. The primary benefits of conducting PET scans include detecting heart conditions and cancer cells, studying brain disorders and neurological conditions, and diagnosing various medical problems.

Also Read:

→ What is the Cost of Cancer Radiation

→ What is the Cost of Breast Cancer Chemotherapy

→ What is the Cost of a Cancer Biopsy Test

→ What is the Cost of the Uterus Cancer Vaccine

→ What is the Cost of an NGS Test for Cancer