PET scan for breast cancer

A PET scan requires a small amount of radioactive material (tracer). This tracer is given through a vein ( IV ), usually on the inside of your elbow, or in a small vein in your hand. The tracer travels through your blood, collects in organs and tissues and gives off a signal that helps the radiologist see certain…

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 provider if: You are afraid of closed spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. You are…

You may feel a sharp sting when the needle containing the tracer is placed into your vein. A PET scan causes no pain. The room and table may be 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…

A PET scan is most often used when other tests, such as MRI scan or CT scan, do not provide enough information or providers are looking for the potential spread of the breast cancer to lymph nodes or beyond. If you have breast cancer, your provider may order this scan: Soon after your diagnosis to see if the cancer…

A normal result means there are no areas outside the breast in which the radiotracer has abnormally collected. This result most likely means the breast cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Very small areas of breast cancer may not show up on a PET scan.

Abnormal results may mean that the breast cancer may have spread outside of the breast. Blood sugar or insulin level may affect the test results in people with diabetes.

The amount of radiation used in a PET scan is low. It is about the same amount of radiation as in most CT scans. Also, the radiation does not last for very long in your body. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should let their provider know before having this test. Infants and babies developing in the womb are…

Allweis TM, Grubstein A, Menes T. Breast cancer screening. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland’s The Breast. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 12. Davidson NE. Breast cancer and benign breast disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds.…