LAB TEST
Lung PET scan
A lung positron emission tomography ( PET ) scan is an imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to look for disease in the lungs such as lung cancer . Unlike magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) and computed tomography ( CT ) scans, which reveal the structure of the lungs, a PET scan shows the activity of the cells within the lungs.
How the Test is Performed
A PET scan requires a small amount of tracer. The tracer is given through a vein (IV), usually on the inside of your elbow. It travels through your blood and collects in organs and tissues. The tracer helps the doctor (radiologist) see certain areas or diseases more clearly. You will need to wait nearby as the tracer…
How to Prepare for the Test
You may be asked not to eat anything for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. You will be able to drink water. Tell your health care provider if: You are afraid of tight spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you relax and feel less anxious. You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. You have…
How the Test will Feel
You may feel a sharp sting when the needle containing the tracer is placed into your vein. A PET scan causes no pain. The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow. An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time. There is no recovery time, unless you were given a medicine…
Why the Test is Performed
This test may be done to: Help look for lung cancer, when other imaging tests do not give a clear picture See if lung cancer has spread to other areas of the lungs or body, when deciding on the best treatment Help determine if a growth in the lungs (seen on a CT scan) is cancerous or not Determine how well cancer…
Normal Results
A normal result means the scan did not show any problems in the size, shape, or function of the lungs.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to: Lung cancer or cancer of another area of the body that has spread to the lungs Infection Inflammation of the lungs due to other causes Blood sugar or insulin level may affect the test results in people with diabetes.
Risks
The amount of radiation used in a PET scan is low. However, it is more than twice as much as most CT scans. Also, the radiation does not last for very long in your body. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should let their provider know before having this test. Infants and babies developing in the womb are…
References
Deroose CM, Dooms C. Positron emission tomography. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 25. Padley SPG, Popat S, Devaraj A. Pulmonary neoplasms. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 31/12/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.