Cancer is not only a life-threatening disease but also an emotionally and physically exhausting journey for patients—even after successful surgery. Regular medical tests remain a crucial part of recovery, and among them, the PET scan is one of the most important yet challenging procedures.
Popular television actress Deepika Kakar Ibrahim, who was earlier diagnosed with Stage 2 liver cancer, recently underwent her first PET scan six months after surgery. The update was shared through a vlog by her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, offering fans a glimpse into the difficult phase of post-cancer monitoring.
Emotional Moment During PET Scan
According to Shoaib, this was Deepika’s first PET scan after the surgical removal of the cancer-affected portion of her liver. The test required her to stay away from her young son for nearly eight hours and observe a four-hour fasting period prior to the scan.
However, the most painful part for the actress was the IV injection administered to inject the required dye into her body. Shoaib revealed that Deepika experienced intense pain during the injection and was moved to tears. Despite the discomfort, she remained calm, did not panic, and courageously completed the procedure in one go.
What Is a PET Scan?
A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is an advanced imaging test, similar to CT scans and X-rays, but more detailed in assessing how organs and tissues are functioning. It helps doctors differentiate between healthy and diseased cells and is especially important in cancer diagnosis and follow-up.
Why Is Dye Injected?
Before the scan, doctors inject a radioactive tracer dye into the patient’s vein through an IV. This dye is safe and helps highlight abnormal or cancer-affected cells during imaging. According to medical experts, diseased cells absorb more of this tracer, making them clearly visible on the scan. The IV injection, however, can cause pain or discomfort for some patients.
Why PET Scans Are Needed After Cancer Treatment
PET scans are not only used to detect cancer but are also essential after surgery or treatment to:
- Check whether the cancer has returned
- Assess how effectively the treatment worked
- Monitor the functioning of the previously affected organ
Additional Benefits of PET Scans
Apart from cancer, PET scans assist in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as:
- Heart diseases and coronary artery disease
- Brain tumors
- Epilepsy
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
PET vs CT vs MRI
While CT scans use X-rays and MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture images of internal organs, PET scans focus on real-time organ function using radioactive tracers. In many cases, doctors recommend PET-CT scans together for greater diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
Deepika Kakar’s experience highlights the emotional strength required during cancer recovery. While PET scans can be physically painful and emotionally draining, they remain a vital tool in ensuring long-term health and early detection of any recurrence.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice. Readers are advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
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