About Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)

Your doctor has discussed the need for a PET. Understand what it is, what to expect, and how it might benefit your health.

What is a PET?

Commonly called a PET scan, PET stands for positron emission tomography. It's commonly requested in order to provide more information about how the tissues of the brain, heart, lung or breast are working.

How does a PET scan work?

During your PET, you'll be injected with a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer. This tracer travels throughout your body and collects in your organs and tissues, giving your radiologist a highlighted view of the area under examination.

In order for your radiologist to assess your body's function, you'll lie still on a table and pass through a tunnel-like machine. This machine will detect the tracer and transform the signals into the image your radiologist will assess.

Why is a PET scan important to your health?

Generally, a PET gives your doctor a much more complete picture as to the origin or causes of symptoms you might have. Clear information means concise treatment, and focused treatment gives you the best opportunity to improve your health. Also, a PET can have results that indicate that your body is functioning just as it should, therefore ruling out serious conditions.