A PET Scan (Position emission tomography) takes images to detect abnormalities in tissue. The most common diseases detected by a PET are cancers in the brain, breast or organs, neurological disorders, epilepsy, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
This image is taken along with a radioactive material, professionally known as a tracer. The reason physicians like to see the images from a PET scan is because abnormalities are easily viewed as the tracer creates brights spots and the tissue shapes are easier to identify.
The organ or part of the body that needs to be scanned will determine what sort of tracer is used. Usually a FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) is used when looking at tumors. Technetium-99m is used for bone or heart scans. Gallium is a tracer most often used for looking at cancer cells. What makes this tracer different is that it must be administered several days before the PET is scheduled to be taken. Thallium is used for cancer or heart imaging.
Prior to the scan, a tracer is injected intravenously approximately an hour before the scan. This allows enough time for the tracer to get into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.
The actual test is conducted on a long table within a circular tube. This can be very slightly uncomfortable if you are claustrophobic, as the machine is close to the body, however most people do not have any problem completing the exam. After the test, you will drink several glasses of water. Within a few hours after most tracers are administered, it exits your body along with the water when you urinate.
While there is a small amount of radiation when taking a PET, there is minimal risk. Women who are breastfeeding will need to plan stop for a period of time after the scan. Pregnant women must speak to their physician before taking a PET.
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