Lung PET scan

What You Need to Know About Lung PET Scans

A Lung Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is an imaging procedure that uses a short-lived radioactive substance to view the organs and tissues in the body. PET scans focus on metabolic activity in the organs and tissues and can be used to detect different types of cancer as well as other diseases or medical conditions. It is a type of nuclear scan that can provide information about the state of a person’s health such as if they have cancer, how far it has spread, or if it has returned after treatment.

Preparation

A Lung PET scan requires several steps prior to the actual scan. The person getting the scan will need to fill out a form that provides personal information and medical history. The person will also need to fast for at least four hours before the test. They will also need to drink a special liquid called a contrast agent one hour before the scan.

Procedure

During the procedure, the person will first receive an injection that contains a small amount of a radioactive material. This material is called a tracer and attaches to the organs, tissues, and fluids in the scans. The tracer tracks the organs and tissues in the body and is picked up by the scanner. The procedure is painless and takes about 15 minutes. After the scan is complete, the person can go home.

Types

• Full-body PET scan: This type of scan focuses on a person’s entire body from head to toe. It is used to detect and diagnose a variety of diseases including cancer and heart disease.
• Chest PET scan: This type of scan focuses on the lungs and their surrounding structures. It is used to detect and monitor various types of cancer, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
• Brain PET scan: This type of scan focuses on the brain. It is used to detect and diagnose various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and seizures.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with a lung PET scan. The person may feel slight discomfort during the injection and may experience dizziness or nausea after the scan. The radioactive material used in the injection is safe and does not cause any long-term side effects.

Why it’s Done

A lung PET scan is done to help detect and diagnose certain types of cancer in the lungs. It can also help detect and diagnose heart disease, neurological disorders, and other conditions. This test is an effective way to assess the severity of a medical condition and can help determine the best course of treatment.

When to Get a Lung PET Scan

A lung PET scan is typically requested by a doctor if they are concerned that a person may have cancer. It is also requested if a person has been diagnosed with cancer and their doctor wants to check for possible recurrence or spread of the cancer. Lung PET scans may also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for cancer or other conditions.