PET FDG Whole Body Oncological Imaging
Information for our Nuclear Medicine Patients
* Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have any kidney problems
Overview
This test is useful for the detection of the primary cancer site and metastases.
Indications
Detection of primary malignancies
Staging of known cancers:
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastric (stomach) cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Musculoskeletal cancers
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Parathyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Others
Evaluation of the effect of therapy on cancer
Detection and localization of recurrent cancer
PET FDG Whole Body Oncological Imaging
A PET FDG Whole Body Imaging study involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low.
You will be positioned next to a special detector called a gamma camera. The camera does not produce any radiation. It will be placed close to the part of the body being imaged.
Important Information
You will be asked to report to the Nuclear Medicine Department located in the
lower level of Union Hospital in order to schedule your appointment. The procedure
will be explained and a brief medical history will be recorded. You will also
need to sign a waiver of financial liability since Medicare does not cover every
indication for this procedure. You will also need to give the Nuclear Medicine
Department at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your PET scan appointment.
If you do not give timely notice, you will be charged the cost of the PET radiopharmaceutical
(approximately $800.00).
Patient Preparation
Nothing by mouth (NPO) after midnight. Avoid exercise of any type 24 hours prior to the scan. You may be asked to take a cathartic (laxative/enema) such as Mag Citrate. This will help cleanse the bowel and provide the nuclear medicine physician with better images for interpretation. An intravenous line will be placed for hydration and medication administration. A urinary catheter may be also used.
Procedure
An injection of a radiotracer will be given through the intravenous line. Approximately
30 to 60 minutes later a PET scan will be performed. You will be placed next
to a special detector called a coincidence detection gamma camera for the scan.
You will be asked to place your arms above your head and lie still for 30 minutes.
Two or three scans taking 30 minutes will be performed.
PET Gamma Camera
Further Information
Contact Terre Haute Medical Laboratory Nuclear Medicine at 812.238.7542
