Procedure in Azerbaijan
PET-CT scan in Baku
PET-CT in Baku for staging and assessing treatment, with careful preparation and results sent to your oncologist.
Typical figures. The exact plan is confirmed by the treating doctor after the medical review.
PET-CT in Baku is performed at licensed nuclear medicine departments for people who are being treated or examined for cancer. The scan combines positron emission tomography with computed tomography, so doctors see both how active the tissues are and exactly where they lie. Oncologists use it to stage the disease, to see how treatment is working and to look for recurrence. We understand that this is often an anxious time.
The scan is done on a referral or a clear request from your oncologist. Before the trip a doctor reviews your documents and the dates of your last treatment, we explain the preparation step by step and send a written cost estimate. After the scan the report is translated and passed to your oncologist together with the images. We organise transfers, accommodation and an interpreter, and a relative can stay with you.
Who it may suit
- Patients with a confirmed cancer diagnosis whose oncologist needs staging before treatment
- Those whose oncologist wants to assess the response to chemotherapy or other treatment
- People with a suspected recurrence after completed treatment
- Patients with lymphoma, lung cancer and other tumours for which the oncologist considers PET-CT informative
- People who would like to combine the scan with an oncologist opinion in Baku
How the procedure is organised
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1
Review of documents and timing
A doctor reviews your referral, histology and earlier scans, and the dates of your last chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Timing matters because soon after some treatments the scan is less informative, so the date is agreed with your oncologist.
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2
Preparation
Usually you should not eat for about 6 hours before the scan, while plain water is allowed. Heavy exercise is avoided the day before. If you have diabetes, you receive individual instructions on food, tablets and insulin in advance.
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3
Injection and rest
On arrival the staff check your blood glucose, because a high level can make the scan less accurate and it may be rescheduled. A small amount of a radioactive tracer, most often based on glucose, is injected into a vein, and you rest quietly for about an hour.
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4
The scan
You lie on the table for about 15 to 30 minutes while the scanner moves along the body. It does not hurt, and you can talk to the staff at any time. Sometimes a CT contrast agent is added.
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5
Report and explanation
A nuclear medicine doctor writes the report, usually within one or two working days. A doctor can go through it with you, and it is translated into Russian or English. You receive the images on a disc or through a link.
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6
Results to your oncologist
We send the report and images to your oncologist, who makes the treatment decisions. If you wish, we can also arrange an oncologist consultation in Baku.
What the cost depends on
The cost of PET-CT depends on the tracer, the area scanned, whether contrast is added and the consultations you would like. After a doctor reviews your documents, we send a written estimate before you travel. It includes the scan, the report and its translation, so that you can focus on preparation rather than on unexpected expenses.
- The type of tracer used
- The area scanned and the use of contrast
- Translation of the report and an explanation by a doctor
- An oncologist consultation in Baku, if you wish
- Transfers, accommodation and an interpreter for you and a companion
Recovery and the trip home
- After the scan you can usually eat and return to your normal activities straight away.
- Drinking plenty of water for the rest of the day helps the tracer leave the body more quickly.
- For several hours after the scan the staff usually advise avoiding close contact with pregnant women and young children, and they tell you the exact time.
- Breastfeeding mothers should discuss the scan with the doctor in advance, and flying home is usually possible the next day.
Included in our coordination
- Personal coordinator
- Medical review
- Interpreter at the clinic
- Visa and invitation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Accommodation
- Support for companions
- Follow-up at home
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- Histology report confirming the diagnosis
- A referral or letter from your oncologist describing what the scan should answer
- Earlier PET-CT, CT or MRI scans on a disc, with their reports
- A treatment summary with the dates of the last chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery
- Information about diabetes and the medicines you take
- A recent creatinine blood test, if contrast is likely
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PET-CT scan cost in Baku?
The cost depends on the tracer, the area scanned and whether contrast or consultations are added. After a doctor reviews your documents, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you know what is included.
How do I prepare for PET-CT?
Usually you should not eat for about 6 hours before the scan, drink only plain water and avoid heavy exercise the day before. Blood glucose is checked before the injection. If you have diabetes, please tell us early, because the doctor gives individual instructions on tablets and insulin.
How soon after chemotherapy can PET-CT be done?
This depends on the treatment and the question your oncologist wants answered. After chemotherapy and especially after radiotherapy, doctors usually wait a certain period so that the scan is reliable. Your oncologist and the centre doctor agree the date together.
Is the radiation from PET-CT safe?
The scan involves a dose of radiation that doctors consider justified when the information is needed for treatment decisions. The tracer leaves the body within hours. PET-CT is generally not done during pregnancy, so please tell the staff if you may be pregnant.
Can I have PET-CT as a check-up without a cancer diagnosis?
PET-CT is not used as a routine screening test for healthy people. It is done when there is a medical reason and a referral. If you want a general health assessment, a full body check-up is usually the right choice, and a doctor can advise you during an online consultation before travelling.
Send your reports and receive a treatment plan
Tell us about your condition. A coordinator will reply in your language, and the specialist will review your documents.