Many patients experience confusion when symptoms persist, diagnoses vary, or treatment plans have yet to show a clear direction. In situations like these, more advanced and accurate examinations can help provide a clearer picture and bring patients closer to a definitive diagnosis.
PET-CT and SPECT-CT are advanced imaging technologies that not only examine organs, but also the activity of the body’s cells and tissues. With more detailed results, doctors can detect diseases earlier, establish more accurate diagnoses, and determine the most suitable treatment. This was explained by dr. Lim Andreas from Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, who stated, “PET-CT and SPECT-CT examinations provide important information regarding disease activity at the cellular level, helping doctors determine diagnoses, cancer staging, and monitor the effectiveness of therapy more accurately.”
In practice, PET-CT scans are generally recommended when there is suspicion of cancer based on clinical symptoms or laboratory results. This examination helps identify suspicious metabolic cell activity, which is typically higher than that of normal cells, thereby supporting a more accurate diagnosis.
In addition to initial diagnosis, PET-CT scans also play a role in determining cancer staging, namely assessing the spread of cancer cells to lymph nodes or other organs. This information serves as an important basis for determining treatment strategies, ranging from surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to targeted therapy.
“Through these examinations, post-therapy effectiveness can also be assessed through changes in cancer cell activity following treatment, while also detecting the possibility of recurrence at an early stage. These results help doctors determine whether the therapy remains effective or needs to be adjusted,” added dr. Lim.
Meanwhile, SPECT-CT scans are used to assess organ function more comprehensively, not only from an anatomical structure perspective but also in terms of functional activity. This examination helps evaluate bone conditions in suspected cancer spread, thyroid function, heart blood flow, and kidney function, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of organ performance.
In line with the growing need for more accurate and comprehensive examinations, Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan offers PET-CT and SPECT-CT services through its Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging unit, integrated with the Oncology Center. These services are supported by low-radiation imaging technology and protocols as one of the service’s key advantages, ensuring that examinations not only contribute to early detection but also provide greater comfort for patients undergoing long-term monitoring.
These services form part of a Comprehensive Cancer Care approach and are supported by collaboration among multidisciplinary doctors from various subspecialties, ensuring patients receive more precise and targeted treatment. During treatment, the Tumour Board actively develops appropriate therapy plans, while Patient Navigators assist patients at every stage of care, from screening and result evaluation to therapy planning.
For those requiring early detection services or comprehensive cancer evaluations through PET-CT scans and SPECT-CT scans, consultations with nuclear medicine specialists are available at Mayapada Hospital. Information and registration can be obtained via the Call Centre on 150770 or through the MyCare application.
Health information from Mayapada Hospital doctors can also be accessed through the MyCare application via the Health Articles & Tips feature. In addition, users can monitor their fitness through the Personal Health feature, which calculates heart rate, step count, calories burned, and Body Mass Index (BMI).