PET Scan

If you’ve been scheduled for a PET scan, you may be wondering what it is and how it helps with diagnosis. Think of a PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) as a tool that provides a detailed, real-time picture of your body’s activity, allowing doctors to detect diseases like cancer early. Here’s what you need to know, explained in a simple, patient-friendly way—just like a nurse would tell you.

What Is a PET Scan, and Why Is It Important?

A PET scan is an imaging test that shows how your organs and tissues are functioning. Unlike a CT or MRI, which captures structures, a PET scan tracks metabolic activity, making it a powerful tool for detecting cancer, monitoring treatment response, and assessing disease spread.

Benefits of a PET Scan

✅ Detects cancer early – Finds tumors that may not yet be visible on CT or MRI scans. ✅ Shows if cancer has spread – Helps in staging cancer and planning treatment. ✅ Monitors treatment effectiveness – Measures how well chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy is working. ✅ Distinguishes between active disease and scar tissue – Reduces the need for unnecessary biopsies or surgeries.

What Happens During a PET Scan?

1. You’ll receive a small injection of radioactive glucose (FDG) through an IV. Cancer cells absorb more glucose, making them light up on the scan.
2. You’ll rest for about 45–60 minutes while the tracer spreads through your body.
3. You’ll lie still on a scanning table while the PET machine captures images. The scan takes 20–30 minutes.
4. After the scan, you can go home and resume normal activities.

Understanding Your PET Scan Report

Your radiologist will analyze the scan and prepare a report for your doctor. Here are the key sections to look for:

1. Areas of Increased Uptake (Hot Spots)

• Cancerous tumors often appear as bright spots because they consume more glucose.
• Not all bright areas indicate cancer—infection, inflammation, or healing tissues can also cause increased uptake.

2. Standardized Uptake Value (SUV)

• Measures how much radioactive glucose a region of the body absorbs.
• Higher SUV values often suggest cancer activity, but further testing may be needed to confirm.

3. Comparison to Previous Scans

• If you’ve had prior PET scans, the report will note whether there are changes in tumor size or activity, helping assess treatment effectiveness.

What Should You Do Next?

• Discuss results with your doctor – They’ll explain whether any bright spots are concerning and what they mean for your care.
• Follow up if needed – If findings are unclear, additional tests like a biopsy or MRI may be recommended.
• Use results to guide treatment – PET scans help your doctor decide the next best step in your care plan.

Final Thoughts

A PET scan is a powerful tool that helps detect cancer, track its spread, and monitor treatment response. Understanding your results allows you to take an active role in your healthcare decisions. If you have any questions, your medical team is there to support you every step of the way. 💙