Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans are advanced imaging techniques used to look for disease, inflammation or infection in your body.At The London Clinic Lung Centre, we use a state-of-the-art system which integrates PET and CT technologies for precise imaging and unparalleled diagnostic accuracy.
PET-CT scans
Also known as: Positron emission tomography (PET), Computed tomography (CT)
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PET-CT scans consultation at The London Clinic
What are molecular diagnostics?
Molecular diagnostics at The London Clinic Lung Centre use next-generation sequencing (NGS) – a genetic testing method – to examine molecules in your DNA or RNA (the genetic code found in your cells).
NGS can sequence thousands of genes, or an entire genome, relatively quickly. This technique can be used to study the genetic make-up of lung cancer and find changes or mutations in DNA and RNA linked to the cancer.
This helps your doctor in making a diagnosis, understanding the tumour better and choosing the most effective treatments for you.
Molecular diagnostics can help us to personalise your treatment plan by detecting:
- Driver mutations – finding genetic changes (like EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF) can help our specialists choose targeted treatments
- RNA fusions – identifying gene fusions (such as ALK or RET) that affect treatment options
- Immunotherapy markers – checking for signs like PD-L1 levels or mutation burden lets us know if immunotherapy might work
- Drug resistance – detecting mutations that make treatments less effective helps us to adjust therapy
Are there any risks associated with PET-CT scans?
The radioactive tracer injected into your vein for a PET scan will expose you to a small amount of radiation, but there are no immediate side effects of this. The amount of radioactivity is relatively low, with a half-life of 110 minutes, and most of it is passed out through the kidneys. As a result, the risk of negative effects from the radiation is minimal. However, having repeated PET-CT scans can very slightly increase your lifetime cancer risk.
Once the scan is complete, you will remain radioactive for six hours. We advise you to avoid contact with young children and pregnant women for four hours after leaving the department. The test is not advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
There are certain instances when molecular diagnostic testing in non-small cell lung cancer is not possible. For example, if the tissue that needs to be biopsied is not easily accessible, your consultant may try other diagnostic methods.
Generally, molecular testing, including NGS, is a very reliable technique when performed correctly by an experienced clinician. However, no test is ever 100% accurate all the time.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
Top-rated by real patients
4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.