F-18 Choline is the short form of Flourine-18 labeled choline. This is the radioactive tracer used in the detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs in men within the prostate gland and is one of the most common type...
F-18 Choline is the short form of Flourine-18 labeled choline. This is the radioactive tracer used in the detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs in men within the prostate gland and is one of the most common type of cancer among men. It is important to detect the prostate cancer at early stage for effective treatment of the condition. There are various imaging tests which are used for the diagnosis of prostate cancer like MRI, CT, bone scans etc. but PET CT is effective in detecting the cancer at early state. This helps in effective treatment of the condition. In Delhi and metro cities of India, PET CT prostate is available in all the reputed hospitals and diagnostic centers of the country.
F-18 Choline PET Scan
An F-18 Choline PET Scan or Flourine-18 labeled choline is radioactive tracer used for the detection of abnormalities in the body. The radioactive tracer used in this PET CT scan is Fluorine -18 labeled choline.
- To describe choline, we know this element as nutrient used in cell membrane synthesis.
- Due to cancer in the prostate, the cells will uptake the choline in higher amount leading to rapid cell growth.
- When the choline is injected, the high concentration of choline accumulated at cancer cells.
Purpose of F-18 Choline PET Scan
The F-18 Choline PET Scan is primarily used in:
- F-18 Choline PET CT Scan helps to detect the prostate cancer.
- This test helps to detect spread of prostate cancer.
- F-18 Choline PET Scan is effective in detecting stage of cancer.
- This test helps to plan treatment for the prostate cancer condition.
- Test helps to monitor the response of treatment and effect of treatment.
- This helps to look for spread of prostate cancer.
Procedure of F-18 Choline PET Scan
The F-18 Choline PET Scan used to detect prostate cancer is safe, effective and helps in early detection. The procedure involves various steps as:
- Preparation
- Before going for the procedure patient is advised to fast at least 6-8 hours.
- Take adequate amount of water for good hydration.
- Prior medical history and PSA levels are considered before the scan.
- Tracer Injection
- A small dose of F-18 choline tracer is injected into a vein.
- The tracer travels through the bloodstream and accumulates in cancer cells.
- Waiting Period
- Patient is advised to rest for about 30 to 60 minutes before going for scan.
- Imaging
- Patient is allowed to lie on a table, which moves through PET CT.
- Radioactive tracer accumulated on cells will
- The combined result is a precise map of cancer spread.
- Post-scan
- Patients can return to normal activities immediately.
- Drinking water helps flush the tracer from the body.
Total Duration: Around 2–3 hours including preparation, tracer uptake, and scanning.
F-18 Choline PET Scan Benefits
- This test helps to look for the condition of prostate cancer early.
- This test helps to detect the recurrence of cancer
- F-18 Choline PET Scan is highly sensitive and specific.
- F-18 Choline PET Scan is non invasive and safe.
- The results are available quickly.
F-18 Choline PET Scan Limitations
- Limited availability – Not as widely available as FDG PET CT in Delhi.
- High cost – More expensive than standard imaging tests.
- F-18 Choline PET Scan can lead to radiation exposure during procedure.
- F-18 Choline PET Scan is not suitable all type of cancers.
- The test may provide false positive results at times.
Cost of F-18 Choline PET Scan in Delhi
The cost of F-18 Choline PET Scan in Delhi may vary slightly depending on various factors. The test may cost around INR 35,000 and goes up to INR 45,000. The cost of F-18 Choline PET Scan in India is almost the same as in Delhi or may slightly vary.
When to go for F-18 Choline PET Scan?
- When patient feels any abnormality in prostate.
- When men got rising PSA after surgery.
- Individuals requiring accurate staging before advanced treatments.
- Patients undergoing therapy who need monitoring of treatment response.
F-18 Choline PET CT scan and other types of PET CT scan
- F-18 Choline PET Scan (Book Now)
- Cardiac PET CT scan (Book Now)
- PSMA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- Brain PET CT scan (Book Now)
- DOTA PET CT scan (Book Now)
- FDG-PET scan (Book Now)
Click Here for the list of all Types of PET CT scan
Conclusion
F-18 Choline PET Scan is the short form of Flourine-18 labeled choline Positron Emission Tomography scan. This scan is very effective and important for the diagnosis of prostate scan to diagnose prostate cancer. There are various types of imaging tests like CT, MRI which are used for the detection of prostate abnormalities but Flourine-18 labeled choline is effective in detecting the prostate cancer early and effectively.
FAQs on F-18 Choline PET scan in Delhi
What is an F-18 Choline PET scan used for?
Flourine-18 labeled choline PET scan is used to look for prostate cancer.
How long does the scan take?
Flourine-18 labeled choline can take around 2–3 hours.
Is it safe?
Yes, it is safe with minimal radiation exposure.
Can it detect early recurrence of prostate cancer?
Yes, it is highly effective at identifying recurrence at low PSA levels.
Is it better than FDG PET CT for prostate cancer?
Yes, because prostate cancer cells absorb choline more than glucose, making it more accurate.
Where can I get this scan in Delhi?
Patient can visit Ganesh Diagnostic Center for Flourine-18 labeled choline PET scan at affordable rates with quality results.
