What is a PET scan?
The PET scan, also called positron emission tomography (PET or “positron emission tomography” in English) is an imaging test that allows you to visualize the functioning of organs (functional imaging). It combines the injection of a radioactive product visible in imaging and the taking of images by a scanner. It is increasingly used for the diagnosis of cancers.
Why do a PET scan?
The PET scan is used to diagnose a variety of conditions, especially c, heart and brain problems.
In practice, it is mainly used for the diagnosis and the follow-up of certain cancers (assessment of extension, effectiveness of the treatment, recurrence…). Cancer cells appear brighter in images because they have a faster metabolism than healthy cells and absorb more radioactive product.
The intervention
In general, you are asked to have an empty stomach about 6 hours before the exam. The medical staff begin by injecting a radioactive product into a vein in the arm. Several products can be used (technetium, radioactive iodine, strontium, etc.). The product can also be administered by mouth or inhaled depending on the organ to be examined.
It is asked not to move, while the product is spreading in the body. The patient should then lie down on the examination table, which enters the scanner (a large cylindrical device). This contains sensors sensitive to radioactive radiation and takes images in different planes of space, moving around the patient.
The exam can take up to 90 minutes, depending on the number of images to be taken. He is asked not to move and not to speak. Once the examination is complete, you will be advised to drink plenty of water to make it easier to get rid of the product. However, the doses used are low and do not represent a danger to health.
What results?
The radiologist will analyze the images obtained. In some cases, they can be compared or superimposed on images taken by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to aid in the diagnosis.
In the event of an abnormality, the patient will be referred to appropriate management. You should know that the PET scan does not always make it possible to differentiate between a cancerous tumor and a benign tumor. Other tests such as a biopsy may be necessary.