This table provides general guidance, but your specialist will recommend the scan that best answers your specific clinical question.

Cancer

For cancer, PET CT is often the preferred investigation because it identifies active cancer cells throughout the body. MRI, however, remains invaluable when doctors need detailed anatomical information, especially for brain, liver, pelvic or soft tissue tumours.

Brain Disorders

MRI is the gold standard for evaluating strokes, brain tumours, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and many neurological conditions because it produces highly detailed brain images. PET CT may sometimes be used to assess brain metabolism in selected neurological disorders.

Spine Problems

MRI is significantly better for slipped discs, spinal cord disorders, nerve compression and chronic back pain because it visualises discs, nerves and surrounding soft tissues clearly. PET CT has only a limited role unless cancer involvement is suspected.

Joint and Sports Injuries

MRI is the preferred choice for ligament tears, tendon injuries, cartilage damage, rotator cuff injuries and meniscus tears. PET CT is generally not used for routine orthopaedic injuries.

Infection and Inflammation

PET CT can identify hidden infections or inflammatory diseases affecting multiple parts of the body, while MRI provides excellent local detail when doctors need to assess a specific organ or joint.

Cancer

For cancer, PET CT is often the preferred investigation because it identifies active cancer cells throughout the body. MRI, however, remains invaluable when doctors need detailed anatomical information, especially for brain, liver, pelvic or soft tissue tumours.

Brain Disorders

MRI is the gold standard for evaluating strokes, brain tumours, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and many neurological conditions because it produces highly detailed brain images. PET CT may sometimes be used to assess brain metabolism in selected neurological disorders.

Spine Problems

MRI is significantly better for slipped discs, spinal cord disorders, nerve compression and chronic back pain because it visualises discs, nerves and surrounding soft tissues clearly. PET CT has only a limited role unless cancer involvement is suspected.

Joint and Sports Injuries

MRI is the preferred choice for ligament tears, tendon injuries, cartilage damage, rotator cuff injuries and meniscus tears. PET CT is generally not used for routine orthopaedic injuries.

Infection and Inflammation

PET CT can identify hidden infections or inflammatory diseases affecting multiple parts of the body, while MRI provides excellent local detail when doctors need to assess a specific organ or joint.

Yes. In some cases, doctors may recommend both scans because each provides different information.

For example:

• Brain tumours: MRI shows the tumour in detail, while PET CT checks how active it is.
• Pelvic cancers: MRI looks at the affected area, while PET CT checks if the disease has spread.
• Liver lesions: MRI helps examine the lesion closely, and PET CT may be used if cancer spread is suspected.

Using both scans together gives doctors a more complete picture and helps them plan the most appropriate treatment.

Neither scan is universally “better.” Each excels in different clinical situations.

PET CT Preparation

To ensure accurate results, proper preparation is essential.

• Fast for 4–6 hours before your appointment.
• Drink plenty of plain water unless advised otherwise.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks before the examination.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan.
• Inform us if you have diabetes so we can provide customised preparation instructions.
• Bring previous imaging studies and medical reports for comparison.

These steps help ensure the tracer is absorbed correctly, allowing doctors to interpret your scan with greater confidence.

MRI Preparation

MRI preparation is usually straightforward.

Before your scan:

• Remove all jewellery and metallic objects.
• Inform us if you have a pacemaker, cochlear implant, aneurysm clips or other implanted medical devices.
• Tell our team if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• Inform us if you experience claustrophobia so appropriate support can be arranged.
• Bring previous reports and prescriptions whenever available.

Choosing the right diagnostic centre matters as much as choosing the right scan. If you are looking for a PET CT scan centre in Delhi or an MRI scan centre in Delhi, Orbit Imaging offers both services with accurate reporting and patient-focused care.

Our PET CT Scan (including PSMA PET CT) is available at our Rohini branch, designed for advanced cancer and whole-body imaging.

Our MRI scan services are available across Delhi-NCR at:

• Karol Bagh / Pusa Road
• Rohini
• Paschim Vihar
• Dwarka
• Green Park / Yusuf Sarai
• Gurugram

Why patients choose Orbit Imaging:

• 21+ years of diagnostic experience
• PET CT and MRI under one trusted network
• Senior MD radiologist reporting
• NABL & NABH accredited standards
• Modern imaging technology
• Easy appointments and fast scheduling
• Trusted by 1 crore+ patients

Whether you need a PET CT scan for cancer evaluation or an MRI scan for brain, spine, or joint problems, we ensure accurate results with reliable care across Delhi-NCR.

If you’re stuck choosing between a PET CT and an MRI, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone. The simple rule is: MRI shows structure, PET CT shows activity.

At Orbit Imaging, we help you turn that confusion into clarity. You just share your prescription, and we guide you to the right scan, right centre, and right time without delays or guesswork.

Think of it like this—you bring the question, we help you find the answer.

From MRI scan centres in Delhi-NCR to a dedicated PET CT scan centre in Delhi (Rohini), everything is set up so you don’t waste time running around.

Upload your prescription
Get the right scan guidance
Book your slot at the nearest Orbit Imaging centre

Simple, fast, and clear—just the way medical decisions should be.

Is PET CT safe for repeated scans?

Yes. PET CT can be repeated when required, especially during cancer follow-ups. Doctors only suggest it when the clinical benefit is higher than the small radiation exposure.

Why do I need to fast before a PET CT scan?

Fasting ensures accurate results because food (especially sugar) can interfere with how the tracer is absorbed by cells, making the scan less precise.

Can MRI be done if I have metal in my body?

It depends on the type of implant. Some are MRI-safe, but others like certain pacemakers or metal clips may not be allowed. We always check safety before the scan.

Which scan gives faster results: PET CT or MRI?

MRI is usually completed faster, but PET CT reporting may take longer because doctors carefully analyse whole-body metabolic activity in detail.

Can PET CT detect disease even before symptoms appear?

Yes. In some cases, PET CT can detect abnormal activity early, even before clear symptoms develop, which is why it is often used in cancer evaluation and monitoring.