FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PET IMAGING
Q: How much radiation am I exposed to during a PET scan?
A: You will receive radiation exposure in an amount equivalent to
about two chest x-rays.
Q: I’m pregnant, should I have a PET scan?
A: In most cases the answer is no. However, if you and your doctor
determine the benefits of the PET scan outweigh any risks, the
PET scan may be performed.
Q: I’m breastfeeding, should I have a PET scan?
A: You may have the PET scan. However, you will be asked to
suspend breastfeeding for three days. No radioactivity will be
left in your system after this period of time.
Q: Are there any reactions from the injection of FDG?
A: There are no known adverse reactions that require medical
intervention.
Q: How long is a PET scan?
A: Three scans taking 30 minutes each are done. The chest,
abdomen/pelvis and head are scanned. Total time is usually
about two hours.
Q: Will my insurance pay for the PET scan?
A: Most private insurance companies will pay for PET scans.
Medicare will only pay for certain indications: Lung cancer
presently; Colorectal, Lymphoma and Melanoma as of July 1,
1999.
Q: Why can’t I just have a CT scan instead?
A: A CT scan is great for looking at anatomy. A CT scan cannot
image physiology however. A CT scan cannot tell if some small
lesions are malignant. PET can determine if these lesions are
malignant by looking at their metabolism rate. PET can also
determine if treated cancer has been eliminated and only scar
tissue is left versus an active tumor that treatment has failed to kill.
Q: I’ve already had a CT scan (or lots of other tests), why do I need
another test like a PET scan?
A: One PET scan versus two or three CT scans can check your entire
body for the spread of cancer. PET can help your doctor determine
what treatment plan is best for you. A PET scan later can help your
doctor determine the effectiveness of the therapy.
Q: I am claustrophobic, will I have to go inside a tube to have the PET
scan done?
A: No, the PET scan is done with the patient’s feet facing in toward
the camera.
Q: Is there any special preparation prior to the PET scan?
A: You will be asked to not eat after midnight and drink only water the
morning of the scan. You should also not exercise for twenty-four
hours prior to the scan.
Q: I’m diabetic, are there any special precautions prior to the PET scan?
A: Your blood glucose level may need to be stabilized prior to the PET
scan. Contact the Nuclear Medicine department for details.
