Guide To Positron Emission Tomography Scans (PET Scans)

When PET Scans Are Used

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are utilized to diagnose and evaluate the progress of numerous different disorders, diseases, and conditions. The most common use for these scans is for the detection, diagnosis, and progression of cancer in the body and evaluation of cancer treatments. Another reason this type of scan may be performed is to diagnose conditions associated with the deterioration of brain function. Examples include Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, cerebrovascular accidents, and other types of dementia.

This type of scan can also be used to evaluate the flow of blood to the muscle tissues of a patient's heart to help evaluate the efficacy of a therapeutic procedure to help blood flow to the heart muscle. Positron emission tomography scans can also help further identify masses or lesions seen in a patient's lung tissues picked up on a chest CT or chest x-ray.

Preparing For A PET Scan

This type of scan is done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient who undergoes the test will be able to go home immediately afterward. Before having a positron emission tomography scan, a patient should inform their physician of all vitamins, herbal remedies, supplements, and medications they are taking. Some medications, supplements, and vitamins may require patients to follow extra instructions before their scan.

Patients should let their doctor known if they are pregnant or if there is a possibility they are pregnant. In most cases, patients will be instructed not to consume any food for at least six hours before their scan. If the positron emission tomography scan involves any part of their heart, they are usually advised to avoid consuming caffeine for twenty-four hours before their scan.