Cancer patients who have been declared cured or have entered remission naturally feel relieved after undergoing a long and challenging course of treatment. However, being “cancer-free” does not mean that medical monitoring can be completely stopped. At this stage, follow-up examinations play a crucial role in ensuring that there is no remaining cancer cell activity or that cancer does not slowly return without causing noticeable symptoms.
One of the examinations frequently recommended for post-cancer monitoring is the PET Scan. This test is capable of detecting changes in cellular metabolism in the body, helping to identify early signs of cancer recurrence—even before they become visible on conventional imaging examinations. Therefore, understanding the importance of PET Scan after being declared cancer-free is an essential first step in maintaining stable health and preventing delays in further treatment.
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When Should a PET Scan Be Performed After Being Declared Cancer-Free?
The timing of a PET Scan after a patient has been declared cured or in remission from cancer is not the same for everyone. It depends greatly on the type of cancer, the stage at initial diagnosis, the patient’s response to treatment, and their overall clinical condition.
In general, doctors recommend PET Scan as part of a follow-up or routine monitoring program after the completion of primary therapy, especially during the early remission period, which is considered the most critical phase.
Digital PET CT Scan with Panorama Ambience 360 at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
In addition, a PET Scan may also be recommended if the patient begins to experience certain symptoms, shows changes in laboratory test results, or if there are suspicious findings on other examinations such as CT Scan or MRI.
For this reason, the decision regarding when to undergo a PET Scan after being declared cancer-free should always be based on the evaluation of the treating physician, ensuring that the examination is performed at the right time and provides maximum benefit for the patient.
Why Is a PET Scan Necessary Even After Being Declared in Cancer Remission?
Below are several reasons why a PET Scan is still necessary even after a patient has been declared cured or in remission from cancer:
- The risk of recurrence still exists: Even after remission, cancer can still recur, especially during the first few years after treatment is completed.
- Residual cancer cells may remain very small: In some cases, remaining cancer cells may not cause symptoms and cannot yet be detected through conventional imaging such as ultrasound, CT Scan, or MRI.
- Early detection of abnormal cell activity: PET Scan evaluates cellular metabolic activity, allowing doctors to detect active cancer cells at a very early stage.
- Comprehensive whole-body monitoring: PET Scan enables physicians to assess the entire body at once to identify signs of recurrence or cancer spread to other organs.
- Supports faster and more precise treatment: Early detection through PET Scan allows doctors to plan further treatment more quickly and accurately, improving the chances of successful subsequent therapy.
- Essential for long-term monitoring: PET Scan plays an important role in long-term follow-up for cancer patients, even after they have been declared cancer-free or in remission.
Recommended PET Scan Hospital in West Jakarta and Tangerang: Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers Digital PET CT Scan services as part of its modern diagnostic facilities, which can be utilized by cancer patients who have been declared cured or are in the remission phase. This service is designed to support optimal follow-up monitoring and ensure that the patient’s condition remains well controlled.
Digital PET Scan technology uses advanced silicon detectors (Silicon Photomultiplier/SiPM), which are more sophisticated than analog PET Scans that rely on photomultiplier tubes (PMT). This technology allows for more sensitive and precise imaging, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
In addition to superior image quality, Digital PET CT Scan also offers shorter scanning times with lower radiation exposure. This technology is capable of detecting very small lesions that may be missed by analog PET Scans, helping doctors conduct a more accurate and comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition.
Digital PET CT Scan Pricing at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
The cost of Digital PET CT Scan at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri depends on the type of room selected by the patient, namely Standard Room or VIP Room. The details are as follows:
- Digital PET CT Scan – Standard Room: IDR 14,250,000
- Digital PET CT Scan – VIP Room: IDR 15,250,000
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store, to manage appointments, check queue numbers, and access complete information.
