Clearer Answers with PET-CT at Hospital Picaso

When someone you care about is facing a health scare, especially something as serious as cancer — you want answers. Not just quick ones, but clear and trusted ones. At Hospital Picaso, we understand that behind every scan is a family waiting, hoping, and making decisions.

That is why we offer PET-CT scans, a powerful imaging tool that helps our doctors see not just what is inside the body, but how it is working. It gives us the clarity to act early, and the confidence to guide each person toward the best possible care.

What is a PET-CT Scan?

A PET-CT scan is gentle, non-invasive, and typically completed in under an hour. It begins with a small injection of a safe tracer — like a tiny spotlight that travels through the body, lighting up areas that may need a closer look.

The scan combines:

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) – which shows how organs and tissues are functioning.
CT (Computed Tomography) – which shows the body’s structure in sharp detail.

Together, these two views give us a more complete picture. For you or your loved one, that means fewer unanswered questions, more personalised care, and a smoother path forward.

Key Advantages of PET-CT at Hospital Picaso

Personalised Tracer Selection

Different health problems need different types of scans. We don’t just do one kind of PET-CT — we match the scan to what your body needs, so we get the best possible results.

Fast Turnaround, On-Site Reporting

With in-house radiologists and cancer specialists working together, we can interpret your results quickly and communicate with your care team immediately — often within the same day.

Clearer Images

We offer PET-CT with contrast (when needed) for even sharper imaging of organs and lymph nodes when clinically appropriate — providing greater accuracy in staging and treatment planning.

Comfortable and Caring Environment

From private waiting areas to our gentle scanning protocols, we have designed the experience around your comfort and peace of mind.

Part of an Integrated Cancer Centre

If your scan shows something that needs treatment, you will not have to start over somewhere else. Our cancer doctors, surgeons and support staff are already here, ready to help.

When Might a PET-CT Be Recommended?

Your doctor may suggest a PET-CT scan to:

Find cancer early, before it causes symptoms
Check if it has spread, so treatment can be more targeted
Plan surgery or radiotherapy, with greater precision
Track how well treatment is working, so we can adjust if needed
Better understand brain conditions, such as dementia or brain tumours

At Hospital Picaso, we don’t just read scans — we listen, we care, and we walk the journey with you. Whether it is for you or someone you love, we are here to provide the answers you need and the care you deserve.

Seeing What Matters: How Different PET-CT Scans Help Us Understand Your Cancer Better

Every cancer is different — it grows in its own way, behaves differently in the body, and responds differently to treatment. That is why we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach.

At Hospital Picaso, we use the same PET-CT scanner for everyone — but we use different types of tracers (tiny amounts of safe, radioactive substances) depending on what we are looking for.

These tracers act like special guides that travel through your body and light up specific kinds of cells or activity. Choosing the right one helps our doctors get the clearest possible picture, so we can detect the cancer early, understand how serious it is, and monitor how well treatment is working.

Here is how we tailor your scan to your needs:

1. FDG PET-CT: A Broad Look at Cancer Activity

This is the most commonly used PET-CT scan for many types of cancer. FDG acts like sugar in the body — and since cancer cells use more energy, they light up brightly on the scan. It helps us:

Find where the cancer is
See if it is spreading
Check if treatment is working (Now with optional contrast for sharper, clearer images of organs and lymph nodes)

2. PSMA PET-CT: Focused on Prostate Cancer

For men with prostate cancer, we use a tracer that attaches to a protein found mostly in prostate cancer cells. This scan:

Finds cancer that may not show up on regular scans
Helps plan targeted treatments
Tracks response more accurately over time

3. DOTATATE PET-CT: For Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)

Neuroendocrine tumours are a rare group of cancers that behave differently. We use a tracer that binds to specific receptors on these tumour cells. This scan:

Locates these slow-growing tumours
Shows how active they are
Supports long-term treatment planning and monitoring

4. FAPI PET-CT: A New Way to See Hidden Cancers

Some cancers are surrounded by scar-like or fibrous tissue, which can hide them from traditional scans. The FAPI tracer targets this tissue, making these hard-to-detect cancers easier to find. This scan:

Offers new hope for detecting complex or advanced tumours
Helps refine treatment plans where other scans may fall short

Getting Ready for Your PET-CT Scan

Whether this is your first scan or a follow-up, knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease. Here is a helpful guide to ensure you feel prepared and supported throughout the process.

Upon arrival at Hospital Picaso:

Please register at the Registration Counter, Level G, before proceeding to the Nuclear Medicine Department, Level 1.

Preparation Guidelines:

Guideline	Details
Fasting	Do not eat or drink (except plain water) for 4 to 6 hours before your scan.
Exercise	Avoid physical exercise or strenuous activity for 2 days prior to your appointment.
Arrival Time	Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Medical Records	Bring along any previous imaging studies (e.g., PET-CT, CT, MRI, Ultrasound).
Diabetic Patients	If you have diabetes, please inform us in advance so we can advise you on how to manage your medication or insulin appropriately.
Routine Medications	You may continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
Clothing	Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or buttons. You may be asked to change into a gown before the scan.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding	If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, kindly inform our staff, as additional precautions may be necessary.

If you have any further questions or need to reschedule your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact the Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Department – our team is here to assist you.

Personalised Imaging, Thoughtfully Done

At Hospital Picaso, every PET-CT scan is tailored with care. We choose the tracer that gives you the best chance at early detection, accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan built just for you.

PET-CT scan at our Cancer Centre is more than just a scan. It is part of a bigger commitment — to see you clearly, treat you personally, and walk beside you every step of the way. With our team of experienced doctors and in-house imaging, we can move quickly from questions to answers, and from diagnosis to care.

FAQs: PET-CT scan

Question	Answer
1. Is a PET-CT scan safe?	Yes. The amount of radiation is low and considered safe for most people. The tracer leaves your body naturally within a day or two.
2. Will it hurt?	The scan is painless. You may feel a small pinch during the injection, but otherwise, most people feel comfortable throughout the process.
3. Can I bring someone with me?	Absolutely. While they may need to wait in a designated area during the scan, you're welcome to bring a friend or family member for support.
4. How do I prepare for the scan if I have diabetes?	Please inform your doctor in advance. Special instructions may be given to manage your blood sugar safely before and during the scan.
5. Can I have the scan if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?	PET-CT is usually not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless medically necessary. Talk to your doctor — we will always weigh the risks and benefits with care.
6. What happens if something abnormal is found?	If your scan shows something that needs follow-up, our team will coordinate with your doctor or specialist immediately. You will not be left waiting for answers.

About Hospital Picaso

Hospital Picaso, short for PJ Integrated Centre of Advanced Surgery and Oncology, is a premier cancer centre located in the heart of Petaling Jaya offering a full spectrum of advanced cancer treatment. As a leading centre for advanced surgery and integrated oncology in Malaysia, we are committed to delivering personalised medical solutions tailored to each patient’s journey.

Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including robotic operating theatres and specialised therapy centres, and supported by a team of dedicated multidisciplinary team, we are here to keep hope alive. At Hospital Picaso, we believe that recovery is a fight worth winning — and no one should have to face it alone.