Role of PET scan in Pancreatic Cancer: Uses, Preparation, Procedure & Cost

What is Pancreatic cancer? Pancreas is an endocrine as well as exocrine gland. It secretes hormones and enzymes that perform a major role in the maintenance of blood sugar and digestion of food apart from other functions.

What is Pancreatic cancer?

Pancreas is an endocrine as well as exocrine gland. It secretes hormones and enzymes that perform a major role in the maintenance of blood sugar and digestion of food apart from other functions.

Pancreatic cancers, also known as pancreatic malignancy or pancreatic neoplasms are cancerous growths that arises from the pancreas. Depending upon the cell of origin, pancreatic cancers are broadly divided into 2 groups namely:

1. Neuroendocrine tumors:  Also called as PanNETs and arises from endocrine or hormone producing regions of the pancreas.
2. Exocrine cancers: More common (95%) and arises from exocrine or enzyme producing regions of the pancreas.

What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is often asymptomatic in early stages. However, depending upon the type of pancreatic cancer, exact location, stage of tumor or its metastasis to distant sites, various symptoms or sign may be seen that includes:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Bloating
• Biliary obstruction
• Yellowish discoloration of skin
• Light colored stools
• Foul smelling greasy stools
• Dark colored urine
• Indigestion
• Constipation 
• Back pain
• Diabetes
• Palpable abdominal mass
• Dryness of mouth
• Depression
• Sleep abnormalities
• Trousseau’s syndrome: Spontaneous formation of blood clots in the veins (thrombosis) at any location of body such as:
  1. Superficial vein thrombosis
  2. Deep vein thrombosis
  3. Portal vein thrombosis.

What Are the Uses of PET Scan in Pancreatic Cancer?

Malignant cells demonstrate altered growth and metabolism. PET scan is used for the assessment and evaluation of metabolic and biochemical properties of tissues or organ. It is indicated for the following purpose in pancreatic cancer:

1. Diagnosis: PET scan plays an important role in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
2. Cancer staging: PET scan is used for accurate staging of pancreatic cancers.
3. Detection of metastases:  Secondary malignant growths at distant site from primary tumours is known as metastases. PET scan plays a crucial role in the identification and localization of metastases.
4. To monitor effectiveness of treatment.
5. To evaluate the prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.
6. To check for cancer recurrence after treatment.

How to Prepare for PET Scan in Pancreatic Cancer?

Follow these steps if you are going for a PET scan:

1. Get an appointment: Schedule your appointment in a diagnostic center having the facility of PET scan as it is available in limited centers. Prior appointment also saves your time by avoiding waiting at the time of scan.
2. Fasting: 6-7 hours fasting is required before PET test.
3. Caffeine: For 24-hours before the scan, avoid caffeinated products.
4. Medications: Certain drugs may alter test results. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements that you are currently taking.
5. Clothing: Wear clothes as comfortable as possible and that are easy to put on and off.
6. Exercise: Don’t perform any strenuous exercise for 24-hours prior to your test.
7. Smoking and tobacco: On the day of your scan, don’t smoke or chew tobacco products as nicotine present in these substances causes vasoconstriction and may alter the test results.
8. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Tell your doctor about pregnancy if you are pregnant or if you breastfed your baby so that your doctor can evaluate the risk vs benefit ratio.
9. Allergy: Inform your Clinician about prior history of allergy to any drug or medications.
10. Medical reports: Don’t forget to carry all relevant medical reports along with you while going for PET scan. These reports may aid in better evaluation of your condition. 
11. Implants: Inform your doctor about any implant in your body such as cardiac implant, inner ear implants, metallic dentures, neurostimulators or any type of hearing aids etc.
12. Claustrophobia and anxiety: If you have claustrophobia or anxiety disorder then don’t hesitate to tell your doctor. He may give you sedative or some alternatives to help overcome this while performing test.
13. Take a company:  Get accompanied by a friend or family member to have mental, emotional and physical support and to drive you home.

What Is the Procedure for PET Scan in Pancreatic Cancer?

The procedure of PET scan includes the following steps:

1. Written consent is required before the procedure begins.
2. You will be asked to change your clothes and wear a gown provided by the technician assisting the procedure.
3. You will be asked to remove all the metallic elements like jewellery, hearing aids, metallic hair clips, metallic underwired bras, wallets, keys, coins, cards containing metallic strips, belts, goggles etc
4. An intravenous injection of radiopharmaceutical agent usually FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) is given to you.
5. You will be then asked to sit quietly for about an hour to allow the radiotracer agent to get distributed to your body tissues and organs via bloodstream. The radioactive agent gets accumulated in areas of high metabolic activity such as cancerous tissues.
6. If PET-CT is being scheduled then you may get another intravenous injection of a contrast agent which yield high clarity images on CT scan.
7. You may be provided with head phones or ear plugs to make you feel more comfortable.
8. If you have Claustrophobia or anxiety disorder, then you may be given sedatives or some other alternatives to make you feel comfortable during the scan.
9. Before scan, your assisting Doctor will explain about all the possible adverse effects of using radiopharmaceutical or contrast material such as itching, rash, swelling etc. Your   KFT report will be required to rule out any kidney disease/pathology and to check your GFR.
10. Then you will be asked to lie supine on the examination table which will slide and place you inside the scanner.
11. You need to lie still during the procedure as body movements may interfere with the quality of images produced.
12. Your Radiologist will take several images to evaluate the underlying pathology and at the end these images will be interpreted for making a definite diagnosis.

What Happens After Pet Scan?

Once the imaging is over you may be allowed to exit the scanner room and asked to wait in the observation room for some time, to check for any possible side effect of radioactive or contrast agent being used. You should drink water to clear out the radiotracer or contrast agent from your body.

Cost of Pet Scan for Pancreatic Cancer in Delhi?

Price of PET scan generally varies with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers charges differently according to the quality of machines they provide and the offers currently availing in them. PET scan charges also vary with the body part which need to be examined and the type of PET scan.

PET scan test is an advanced diagnostic and monitoring tool that is available at limited diagnostic centers as it requires costly and modern equipments and skilled Radiologists to perform the scan. 

To choose the best diagnostic center for PET scan in Delhi.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan test.

Various PET scan prices at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC)are as following:

Various PET scan prices at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC)are as following:

• Whole Body PET Scan
  Rs 23900 - Rs 11950 BOOK NOW
   
• FDG-PET Scan
  Rs 23900 -Rs 11950 BOOK NOW
   
• F-18 Choline PET Scan
  Rs 37000 -Rs 18500 BOOK NOW
   
• Brain PET Scan
  Rs 23900 - Rs 11950 BOOK NOW
   
• Dopa Brain PET Scan
  Rs 37000 - Rs 18500 BOOK NOW
   
• PET Viability Scan Cardiac
  Rs 27000 -Rs 13500 BOOK NOW
   
• PSMA PET Scan For Prostate
  Rs 35000 - Rs 17500 BOOK NOW
   
• Cardiac PET Scan
  Rs 27000 -Rs 13500 BOOK NOW
   
• DOTA PET SCAN
  Rs 37000 -Rs 18500 BOOK NOW

For more details, click here!

To avail free consultation with Pathologist. Click here!

To avail free consultation with Radiologist. Click here!

Best Diagnostic Center for Pet Scan?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is considered as the best diagnostic center for PET scan in Rohini, Delhi. We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri.

We are having the facility of different types of PET scan including: 

FDG-PET Scan

F-18 Choline PET Scan

Whole Body PET Scan

Brain PET Scan

PSMA PET Scan For Prostate

Dopa Brain PET Scan 

PET Viability Scan Cardiac

Cardiac PET Scan

DOTA PET SCAN

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.

Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan. We are open 24X7 and 365 days. You can also get free online or offline Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.

We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. 

For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or call us now!

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

FAQs Related to Pancreatic Cancer & PET scan:

What are the risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

There are several risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer such as:

• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Male sex
• Older age (>65 years)
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Consumption of red meat
• Consumption of processed meat
• High fatty meal
• Diseases such as:
  1. Diabetes
  2. Chronic pancreatitis.
• Genetic conditions including:
  1. Hereditary pancreatitis.
  2. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
  3. Von Hippel Lindau syndrome.
  4. MEN 1 syndrome (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1).
  5. HNPCC (Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer). 
  6. FAP (Familial adenomatosis polyposis).
  7. Ataxia telangiectasia.
  8. Inherited BRCA 2 gene mutations.
  9. Inherited PALB2 gene mutations.
  10. FAMMM syndrome (Familial Atypical Multiple Mole and Melanoma syndrome).

Types of pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic neoplasm is broadly classified into 2 categories:

1. Endocrine neoplasm: Sub-types under this category includes:
   • Gastrinoma
   • Insulinoma
   • Glucagonoma
   • Somatostatinoma
   • Pancreatic polypeptide secreting tumors
   • VIPoma.
2. Exocrine neoplasm: Sub-types under this category includes:
   • Adenocarcinoma
   • Acinar cell carcinoma
   • Pancreatoblastoma
   • Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm
   • Cystadenocarcinoma
   • Signet ring cell carcinoma
   • Pseudopapillary tumor
   • Colloid carcinoma
   • Undifferentiated carcinoma.

How is screening done for pancreatic cancer?

Screening tests are used to screen or check for pancreatic cancer before the appearance of signs and symptoms. Regular screening is advised for people belonging to the high-risk group for pancreatic cancer due to inherited conditions or syndromes. 

Tests used for pancreatic cancer screening includes:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• CT scan 
• MRI scan.

These tests help in the early screening and determine the need for further testing if reports are abnormal. 

However, diagnostic tests are performed when you have sign or symptoms of pancreatic cancer or if the screening tests are found to be suspicious or abnormal.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is done using multiple tests that includes:

1. Blood examination: 
   • CBC (Complete blood count)
   • Tumor marker such as CA 19-9
   • LFT (Liver function test).
2. Biopsy:
   • Fine needle aspiration guided by EUS.
3. Imaging tests:
   • Abdominal ultrasound
   • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
   • CT scan
   • MRI scan
   • MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)
   • PET scan.

What is the prognosis of pancreatic cancer?

Prognosis of pancreatic cancer is usually very poor and depends upon many variables such as:

• High expression of genes such as C-Met and 

MUC-1.

• Stage of tumor
• Response to treatment
• Patient age
• Presence of Co-morbid conditions
• Metastasis.

What is the survival rate of pancreatic cancer?

The 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer depending upon the type of tumor, stage of cancer, grade of cancer, extent of invasion or metastasis are as following:

• Overall 5-year survival rate for all stages is 12%.
• 5-year survival rate in case of localized pancreatic cancer is 44%.
• 5-year survival rate in case of local metastasis to regional lymph nodes or adjacent areas is 15%.
• In case of distant metastasis, the 5-year survival rate is 3%.

How to prevent pancreatic cancer?

Protective factors that may prevent the development of pancreatic cancers includes:

• Avoid red meat
• Avoid processed food
• Intake of fruits and vegetables 
• Cessation of smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Maintain normal BMI
• Exercise regularly.

How is pancreatic cancer treated?

Treatment options available for the management of pancreatic carcinoma depending upon the type of pancreatic neoplasm, stage, grade and metastasis includes:

• Surgery.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiotherapy.
• Octreotide in case of functioning PanNETs.
• Radiofrequency ablation. 
• Cryoablation.
• Targeted therapy with sunitinib or everolimus in case of non-resectable tumor.
• Palliative care.
• Any combination of the above treatments.

How much time taken during PET scan for pancreatic cancer?

The whole procedure of PET scan takes approximately 2 hours. Up to 60 minutes are required to begin the scanning procedure after giving an intravenous radioactive agent. However, the actual process of PET scan takes approx. 30-40 minutes.

Also, it may last longer depending upon the severity of your illness and associated co-morbid conditions.

How much time it takes for PET scan report of pancreatic cancer?

You will get reports on the next day. However, you can get the image films on the same day if required by your doctor.

Risks/Side effects of PET scan in pancreatic cancer?

PET scan is a safe procedure. The radioactivity in the radioactive drug is very low, also it doesn’t stay for longtime in your body. Drinking water can flush the radioactive agent faster from your body.

However, some risks/side effects about PET scan are as following:

• Allergic reactions to the radiotracer or contrast agent, although rare but can happen in some individuals. However, these allergic reactions are usually mild.
• Diabetic patients have low levels of insulin (help in transport of glucose across cells). Insulin deficiency may lead to low absorption of FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) which may alter test results. So, inform your doctor before test.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid certain medications and test for the safety of baby. Ask your doctor before undergoing PET scan.