What is the Cost of a PET Scan for Cancer?

PET Scan Cost in India: Prices & Factors Affecting Overall Cost

The cost of a PET scan for cancer can vary significantly but in India it ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 or more. 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:

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

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.   

Why are PET Scans Important 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.

What is the significance of PET Scans in Cancer Diagnosis?

• Early Disease Detection
• Accurate Disease Staging 
• Personalised Treatment Plans
• Versatile Diagnosis
• Non-invasive and Safe
• Treatment Monitoring 

Do PET Scans Diagnose Cancer?

PET scans are used in the diagnosis as well as staging of various cancer types. Some of the type of cancers which can be diagnosed or evaluated through PET scans are as follows:

• Breast Cancer: PT scan generally used in diagnosing breast cancer as it helps to assess the presence of metastases, particularly if there is suspicion of distant spread nearby lymph nodes and beyond breast.
• Lung Cancer: PET scans can help evaluate the level of lung cancer, including the tumor’s size at primary stage, location, and spread to nearby lymph nodes or other body parts.
• Lymphoma:  PET scans are particularly useful in evaluating and staging various types of lymphomas. It can further help to evaluate the level and activity of the disease within the body.
• Pancreatic Cancer: PET scans often used in extent of pancreatic cancer, help to evaluate the any spread of disease nearby body parts.
• Colorectal Cancer: Helpful in determining the extent of cancer and identifying its spread to other distant organs like liver, bones or lungs.
• Brain Tumors: PET scan can be utilized in characterising brain tumors, differentiating between malignant and benign along with evaluating the level of tumor involvement.
• Prostate Cancer: PET scan like prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET scan is grabbing attention as valuable tool to identify the spread of prostate cancer, detecting metastases in lymph nodes or bones.
  Esophageal Cancer:
  Melanoma: Helpful in identifying the spread of melanoma. 

How to find the exact cost?

• Contact Hospitals & Centres: Visit & call diagnostic centres and hospitals in your locations to inquire about particular scan prices. 
• Talk to your Healthcare provider: Your oncologist can provide detailed guidance on the best scan type based on your condition, which helps you to understand the involved prices.
• Check online Portals: Check on Google and different online portals, provide cost estimation.

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