What is a Pet Scan?
If you or a loved one has been prescribed a PET scan, you may be asking yourself: What exactly is that? How does it work? Is it safe? In this guide, we’ll delve into what PET scans are in simple language that even someone without a degree can understand.
What is a PET Scan?
A PET scan, or Positron Emission Tomography scan, is a unique type of test that looks at how your organs and tissues are working, which is different from other types of tests that only show what these organs and tissues look like. Whereas X-rays, CT scans and MRIs display the structure of your body, a PET scan reveals activity at the cellular level. That’s what makes it such a powerful way to diagnose and track diseases like cancer, heart conditions and brain problems.
How Does a PET Scan Work?
For a PET scan, doctors administer a small amount of radioactive material, or tracer, in the center of the sandwich. This tracer is usually a form of glucose (sugar) attached to a radioactive atom. The tracer is injected into your blood by a health care professional. It makes its way through your body, where your organs and tissues absorb it.
Cells that are more active — such as cancer cells, inflamed tissue, or certain areas of the brain — will take in more of the tracer. As the tracer decomposes, it releases small particles known as positrons. When these positrons collide with electrons in your body, they create gamma rays. The PET scanner detects the rays and uses them to create detailed, colorful images that indicate where the tracer has accumulated in your body.
What Does a PET Scan Show?
A picture on a PET scan is not just of the size or shape of something; it is a measure of how well an organ or tissue is doing its job. For example:
Cancer: Because cancer cells almost always use more energy than healthy cells do, they (and the tracers that energize them) appear as bright spots on the PET scan.
Heart Disease: A PET scan can reveal which parts of the heart are receiving inadequate blood flow, for diagnosing coronary artery disease or analyzing damage following a heart attack.
Brain Disorders: PET scans can detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and certain types of dementia by showing which parts of the brain are experiencing abnormal activity.
How is a PET Scan Performed?
Here is what you can expect if you have a PET scan scheduled:
Preparation: Your doctor will probably instruct you not to eat or drink anything except water 4–6 hours before the test. This also helps your body absorb the tracer effectively. You’ll receive special instructions if you have diabetes or if you are taking certain medications.
Tracer Injection: You are injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer through a vein, typically in your arm. You’ll sit around for an hour while your body absorbs the tracer.
The Scan: You will lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-shaped scanner. The scan process does not involve any pain and generally lasts 20 to 45 minutes. It is important you remain as still as you can so the images are not blurred.
After the Scan: You may return home and go about your normal activities. If you drink a lot of fluid, that helps clear the material from your body.
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Most contemporary PET scans are performed in conjunction with CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans. That means you see two types of images at the same time: The PET scan shows metabolic activity, while the CT or MRI will give you detailed pictures of the structure of your body. Altogether, these images help doctors zero in on exactly where abnormal activity is occurring.
Is a PET Scan Safe?
PET scans use a minute dose of radiation — typically far less than what’s used in many standard CT scans. The tracer leaves your body fairly rapidly, typically within a day. There are no apparent side effects for most people, although you may have some mild soreness at the injection site. Allergic reactions are rare. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to contrast dyes, tell your doctor before the scan.
What is a PET Scan Used For?
PET scans are generally performed for:
- Diagnosing and staging cancer-finding out whether it has spread and how well treatment is working.
- Diagnosing heart disease-areas of low blood flow or damaged heart tissue.
- Diagnosing brain disorders — Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, tumors.
- Treatment planning-helping doctors determine the best course of action for surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a PET scan compare with a CT or MRI scan?
A PET scan indicates how tissues and organs are working at the cellular level, while CT and MRI scans provide images of the body’s structure. PET is frequently utilized in conjunction with CT or MRI to get an overall picture.
Will I feel anything from the scan?
The scan itself is painless. You may feel a little pinch when the tracer is injected. Though some people find lying still uncomfortable in the scanner, discussing any anxieties with the technologist can help you relax.
How long does it take to get a PET scan?
The tracer takes 2–3 hours in total, counting preparation and waiting for the tracer to distribute. The actual photo shoot lasts 20–45 minutes depending on the region investigated.
Is the radiation risky?
The levels of radiation are low and unlikely to raise the risk of cancer in most people. The tracer clears from your body rapidly. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult with their doctor about any risks.
When will I get my results?
A radiologist will interpret the scan and send a report to your doctor, who will share the results with you — typically a day or two later.
Final Thought
A PET scan is an amazing technology: It allows your physician to peer beyond your body’s surface and see how that body is functioning at the cellular level. Whether you are dealing with a cancer diagnosis, heart disease, a neurological disorder, or another issue, a PET scan can provide essential information you need to successfully plan your treatment and recovery. The concept of radioactive tracers and big machines may sound a bit intimidating, but the process is safe, painless, and can add a lot to your care. If you are unsure or have any concerns, then do not be afraid to ask your healthcare team, they are there to help you.
