PET Stands for Positron Emission Tomography scan. It is a relatively new technology used to find cancer activity in the human body.
How Does It Work?
The machine emits positrons (positive electrons) and when the positron combines with an electron they make two high energy gamma photons which travel through the body. Many detectors measure these photons and a computer assembles an image of the body like an x-ray image but much more accurate and detailed.
(PET IMAGE)
Images courtesy of GE Healthcare http://www.gehealthcare.com/ Used with permission
What will it do to me?
Fortunately nothing - no pain, no claustrophobia as "the tube" is not closed like some MRIs. You will not "be radioactive" or anything afterwards like a gallium scan. If you have concerns you can ask your doctor or medical technician prior to the scan.
Similar Tests
MRI,
gallium scans, and the
CT scan may provide similar data on disease when compared to PET scans.
PET Scan Questions and Answers
A good list of questions and answers can be found at
NationalPETscan.com
Sponsored Links
Resources
Center for Positron Emission Tomography University at Buffalo
GE Medical Systems -
PET education (professional)
Children's Hospital of Michigan -
PET scans
Emory University -
PET Center
A page with
sample lymphoma PET scan case studies
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