This advanced imaging test can help detect disease in its earliest stages.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test used to detect and monitor signs of cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It utilizes a small and safe amount of a radioactive chemical called a radiotracer, which is administered through an IV. Because diseased cells absorb more of the radiotracer than healthy ones, the radiotracer becomes concentrated in the areas of the body where disease is present. A scanner then detects this radiation and produces images of the affected organs and tissue – pinpointing the presence and location of disease. PET scans are sometimes used in combination with computed tomography (CT) scans, referred to as a PET-CT.
How Does It Work?
First, you will receive an IV injection of the radiotracer and rest for 30 minutes to an hour while it is absorbed. You will then lie down on a padded table, which will slide through the PET scanner – a large, round machine – as it takes images. This process takes around 30 minutes and is painless. Afterward, a radiologist will review the scans and report their findings to your healthcare team. PET scans are typically an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day.
The Benefits of PET Scans
PET scans are a highly effective method of detecting cancer and other diseases in their earliest stages and can catch disease before it shows up on other imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan. The results of a PET scan help inform providers in developing an accurate, detailed diagnosis and personalized plan and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
