Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans
PET scans are a type of nuclear medicine that doctors use to detect the presence, extent, treatment response and recurrence of cancer. It’s also used in diagnosing neurological disorders, including early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and in localizing the site of epileptic seizures. PET scans are also valuable in determining heart function, tissue damage and artery blockage.
What to expect
If you are undergoing a PET scan, you’ll receive a small dose of a radioactive tracer combined with glucose (sugar) that your body can metabolize. As your body absorbs the sugar, it takes the radioactive tracer with it, which allows nuclear medicine specialists to observe the flow and function or organs. Because PET scans show function better than structure, we often combine them with CT or MRI scans to see both.
If your doctor has referred you for a PET scan, we encourage you to read the comprehensive explanation on PET (positron emission tomography) scans in our Health Information Library. The section includes why PET (positron emission tomography) scans are done, how to prepare, what to expect and what the test results will show.
Talk to Your Doctor
We hope this information helps you gain a better understanding of PET scans and encourage you to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about the test.