P.E.T. can show where tumors are located, if they are benign or malignant and if treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy is working effectively. P.E.T. reveals the spread of cancer that other imaging techniques simply cannot detect and can guide physicians to the most beneficial therapies. P.E.T. is used to diagnose and stage many types of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, lymphoma and ovarian cancer. P.E.T. can also be used to study the viability of the heart muscle, which is essential in those patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery or for a heart transplant. In addition, P.E.T. can be utilized to image the function of the brain, this can very helpful in patients with Epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's.

Your P.E.T. Experience

The P.E.T. scan will begin approximately 45 minutes to an hour after the I.V. injection of the radioactive compound. This gives sufficient time for the tracer to distribute throughout your body. Before this injection is given, your blood sugar level will need to be tested using a small finger stick device. For the actual scan, you will lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. A P.E.T. scanner looks similar to a CT scanner. The scan itself will take approximately one hour. You will also be asked to empty your bladder, in certain cases bladder catheterization may be necessary. A P.E.T. scan is completely safe; there are no side effects to the injection of the radiotracer. You can expect to be in the P.E.T. center for approximately three hours. What happens after I am finished? P.E.T. studies require extensive computer manipulation; however, we will make every effort to have your results available as soon as possible.

All abnormal results will be communicated to you doctor immediately. Your doctor will contact you to discuss the results of the P.E.T. scan.

Click here for information on Preparation for a PET Scan.