Written By: Dr. Preeti Singh
Consultant - Nuclear Medicine PET/CT
Sohana Hospital, Mohali.
Experience: 12+ Years
Speciality: Nuclear Medicine
Published: 16 December 2025
Last Updated: 16 December 2025
PET-CT Scan is a State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Imaging Method for Today’s Patients. The PET-CT Scan combines the imaging techniques of positron emission tomography, or PET, and computed tomography. PET-CT Scans give doctors the opportunity to visualise the anatomical structure of organs and tissues as well as how well those organs and tissues are functioning. Even though PET-CT Scans have many benefits for helping to diagnose and treat people with cancer, they also have some limitations. Doctors are learning that one of the most important questions cancer patients frequently ask themselves when they are trying to determine if a PET-CT Scan can provide them with the information they need about their cancer is, Can I get an Accurate Diagnosis of All Tumours Using a PET-CT Scan? It is not always possible to have all tumours diagnosed using a PET-CT Scan, but understanding both the benefits and limitations of this type of imaging helps to determine why doctors use PET CT scan in Mohali when making treatment decisions for patients with cancer.
When are PET scans highly effective?
PET-CT Scans are particularly effective for detecting tumours that have a high metabolism, and therefore metabolise significantly higher quantities of radioactive glucose (FDG), which makes the tumours look much darker on PET-CT Scans. Many types of lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, head and neck cancers, and colon cancer appear very positive for detection on PET-CT Scan. PET-CT Scans can help to locate tumours that may not be able to be detected using other imaging methods. Tumours that are located behind organs or deep in the body sometimes cannot be detected until there is enough metabolic activity (the ability to absorb and use glucose) to differentiate from the rarer forms of tissue that might occur elsewhere in the body. PET/CT in the diagnosis of metastatic bone, liver, lymph node, and lung tumours. The utilisation of the PET scan/CT scan combination is the best available method for detecting metastatic malignancy in the bone, liver, and lung.
Situations Where PET/CT May Not Accurately Identify Tumours
There are various reasons that certain types of metastatic tumours may not be detected by the PET CT scan in Mohali method of diagnosis.
Low Metabolically Active Tumours
The types of tumours that do not metabolically utilise glucose (or perform this function to a low degree) will not be recognised by the PET scan. Examples of these types of tumours include:
Low-grade Brain Tumour
Low-Grade Prostate Cancer
Lymphoma – Slow Growing
Very Small Tumours
Very small or early-stage tumours may not be recognised by the PET/CT scan, although they may be growing rapidly.
Type of Tumour
Some tumour types (i.e., carcinoid, mucinous, and certain kidney cancers) may not or do not utilise FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) in a significant manner.
Inflammation leading to False Positives
PET/CT may show inflammation from an infection, healing or from an inflamed lesion, which gives the false impression of malignant disease. This is why PET/CT should not be used solely for the diagnosis of malignancy.
If you are looking for PET CT scan in chandigarh, or PET CT scan in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might just be the best option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali is home to the World’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted cancer specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment approach. With your determination and the expertise of the doctors, cancer can be conquered!
What cancer is most found on PET scans?
Lung cancer is the most common cancer evaluated and detected on standard FDG-PET scans. It does so because of High Glucose Metabolism, staging and diagnosis.
How can Sohana Hospital help with PET scans?
Sohana Hospital has a wide range of facilities and services available to get the right diagnosis for cancers including PET. Their expert set of doctors and medical professionals have the right kind of care required to have the treatment you need for cancer.
What cancers cannot be detected by a PET scan?
Most cancers can be detected with the help of a PET cancer, making it a highly effective test for detecting cancer. Cancers Often Missed or Hard to Detect include Bronchoalveolar carcinoma, carcinoid tumors, and low grade lymphomas.
What is the most accurate scan for cancer?
There is no single most accurate scan for all cancers, because the best imaging test depends entirely on the type of cancer and the part of the body being examined. Your PET CT scan in Mohali can help you understand what the best scan for you to get for detecting cancer.
Which is safer, PET scan or CT scan?
A CT scan is generally safer than a PET scan because it exposes your body to a lower dose of radiation. Both tests may use contrast agents that require caution if you have kidney disease or allergies.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Preeti Singh
Sohana Hospital, Mohali.
Credentials of the Reviewer:
-DM Nuclear Medicine PET/CT
-12+ Years of Clinical Experience
Nuclear Medicine & PET CT
SOHANA HOSPITAL