PET Scans

PET Scans are imaging tests that show how your tissues and organs are functioning.  In order to determine this, a small amount of radioactive material will enter your body, but the amount and delivery method will be determined by which tissue or organ is being studied by the PET scan.  Options include inhaling it, swallowing it, or having it injected into a vein. 

The purpose of a PET scan is to examine the chemical activity in your portions of your body to detect abnormalities.  These scans are most frequently used for people who have brain disorders, cancer, or heart disease.

In the case of brain disorders, a PET scan will show what areas of the brain have the most activity when various tasks are assigned.  Additionally, brain abnormalities such as memory disorders, seizures, and tumors can also be evaluated. 

In cases of heart disease, PET scanning is utilized to detect areas in which there is a decreased amount of blood flow in the heart.  This assists the doctors in determining which portions of the heart might benefit from coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty. 

PET scans are also used to find cancer cells, since they show up as brighter spots on the PET scans since they have higher metabolism rates.  PET scans may be helpful in determining if the cancer has recurred, the extent or spread of the cancer, and whether the cancer is responding to treatment well or not.  The most common types of cancers visible from a PET scan include brain cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma cancer, melanoma cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer. 

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you need to inform your doctor, because the radioactive material used may harm the fetus or infant.  This is a discussion you will need to have with your physician. 

Your physician will give you directions for the time prior to your PET scan.  Usually patients are advised not to eat or drink anything for eight to twelve hours before the scan, therefore if you are a diabetic, you need to inform the staff beforehand. 

Once the radioactive substance is in your body, you will probably need to wait 30 to 60 minutes for it to be absorbed by the organ or the tissue that is being imaged.  When it is time, you will be placed on a narrow table that will slide into the PET scanner's opening.  Although the test is painless, you have to lie very still.  During your PET scan, you will have to lie down and remain still for different amounts of time.