PET-CT for — Head and Neck Cancer

Yes. A CT uses X-rays to show structure — size and shape. PET adds a radiotracer that highlights tissue using more energy than its surroundings, which cancer cells often do. Combined as PET-CT, it shows metabolic activity and anatomy together. This is why it identifies small involved lymph nodes or distant deposits that CT alone can miss, and why NCCN and ESMO recommend it for head and neck cancer staging rather than CT alone.

Which nodes are involved, and whether both sides of the neck are affected, directly determines whether surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination is recommended. It also affects the extent of any planned neck dissection and the design of the radiotherapy field. PET-CT maps lymph node involvement more completely than CT or clinical examination, which is why NCCN includes it in the standard staging workup for most head and neck squamous cell cancers.

Yes, but preparation matters. High blood glucose reduces how clearly the scan reads, so your medication and eating schedule on scan day need to be planned in advance. Tell your oncologist and the imaging centre about your diabetes when the scan is booked — not on the day. If glucose is too high on arrival, the scan may need to be rescheduled, and early planning prevents that from happening.

ICMR data consistently places both states among those with high rates of tobacco-related cancers. Smokeless tobacco, areca nut, pan masala, and gutka are widely used alongside cigarettes and bidis. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are the most frequent result. Many people are diagnosed at an advanced stage because early changes — a persistent mouth ulcer, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice — are often attributed to other causes and not checked promptly.

Reports are typically available within one to two days, though this varies by centre. Your CION team will review the report with you at a scheduled appointment. Do not ask the imaging centre for a verbal result on the day — they cannot interpret the finding in the context of your full clinical picture, and an out-of-context positive can cause unnecessary alarm before your oncologist has had a chance to explain it.

CION coordinates PET-CT through partner imaging centres rather than operating its own scanners. When the scan is ordered, the CION team arranges the appointment and sends your clinical details to the imaging centre. The report is reviewed with you by your oncologist. If you have already had a PET-CT done elsewhere, bring the images and written report to your next appointment so your team can incorporate them directly into your plan.