Why would a patient need a PET scan?
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Positron emission tomography (PET) scans detect early signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. An injectable radioactive tracer detects diseased cells. A combination PET-CT scan produces 3D images for a more accurate diagnosis.
What diseases can a PET scan detect?
PET scans can help detect cancer and how far it has spread. PET scans can show solid tumors in the brain, prostate, thyroid, lungs, and cervix. The scans can also evaluate the occurrence of colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, and pancreatic tumors.
Is a PET scan serious?
A PET scan is considered to be a safe procedure. It exposes you to around the same amount of radiation that you would receive from the general environment over about three years. The injected radioactive chemicals have a very short lifespan and are removed from the body fairly quickly.
How painful is PET scan?
A PET-CT scan does not hurt. But some positions might be uncomfortable or tiring. You need to lie still for the entire scan. You might also need to keep your arms above your head.
How long does PET scan take?
How long does a PET scan take? A PET scan will take about 60 to 90 minutes for the radiotracer to start working, depending on what type of information your doctor is looking for. Once you’re ready to start the scan, you’ll be asked to lie on your back on a platform.
When would a doctor order a PET scan?
A PET scan uses radioactive tracers to measure the chemical reactions in your body in order to diagnose diseases. A doctor will recommend a cardiac PET scan to check the blood flow to your heart muscles. The scan can indicate areas of decreased blood flow, which allows your doctor to accurately decide the next steps.
Do you have to take your clothes off for a PET scan?
You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan. If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear. You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the start of the procedure.
Is a PET scan better than a biopsy?
A recent study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine reported that imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT was more accurate, demonstrated a higher negative predictive value and was more sensitive than bone marrow biopsy, the current gold standard, for determining bone marrow involvement in sufferers of …