PET can show where tumors are located, if they are benign or malignant and if treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy is working effectively. PET reveals the spread of cancer that other imaging techniques simply cannot detect and can guide physicians to the most beneficial therapies. PET is used to diagnose and stage many types of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, lymphoma and ovarian cancer. PET can also be used to study the viability of the heart muscle, which is essential in those patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery or for a heart transplant. In addition, PET can be utilized to image the function of the brain, this can be very helpful in patients with epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's.

What is a PET scan?

PET - Positron Emission Tomography - is a noninvasive test that images the body for tumors with abnormal metabolic activity. Metabolically active tumors have a high glucose (sugar) uptake. You are given a small amount of a radioactive tracer intravenously. The PET scanner detects tumors absorbing the tracer. A combined PET/CT scan is a new procedure in which a PET and CT scan are done concurrently instead of undergoing each test separately. The PET/CT procedure allows the physician to examine the whole patient by producing pictures of the patient's anatomy and metabolic activity. This technique provides a set of information more thorough than either a PET or CT scan.

How does PET work?

The PET images are created through the combination of three state-of-the-art instruments:

• A cyclotron produces short-lived, radioactive isotopes.
• A PET scanner maps the distribution of the tracer in the body.
• A computer reconstructs the patterns of detected radioactivity into three-dimensional pictures of
  metabolism and anatomy throughout the body.

What happens when I arrive at the Center?

When you arrive at the PET center, you will check in at the reception desk. You will then be escorted into a quiet room where you may be asked to change into a gown.

To begin the procedure, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into your blood stream intravenously. After the injection, you will rest for approximately 45 minutes, while the injected material is distributed throughout your body. You will then be asked to lie on a table that passes slowly through the scanner. Depending on the procedure, actual scan time will be 30 to 45 minutes.

Is the injection safe?

There is no danger from the injection. Glucose (sugar) is a substance that every cell in your body needs to function. The radiation exposure is similar to other radiology procedures. The substance is quickly eliminated from your body.

Why have a PET/CT scan?

• Greater patient comfort with shorter exam time
• More comprehensive information, showing both metabolic and anatomical activity
• Early detection of cancer
• Validates or alters your care
• Assists in directing or changing treatment protocols
• Improves your outcome
• Reduces overall healthcare costs
• Covered by many insurers

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What can PET assist in diagnosing?

Oncology

• Lung Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Brain Tumors
• Head and Neck Tumors
• Breast Cancer
• Melanoma
• Lymphoma
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer

Neurology

• Dementia (Alzheimer's, Huntington's Disease, Parkinson's Disease)

Cardiology

• Myocardial Viability (Determine viability post-myocardial infraction or pre-bypass or transplant surgery)
• Prediction of Therapeutic Success (Bypass surgery, Angioplasty)

"For two years, I thought I felt a lump in my breast, but conventional testing told me I was fine. Those tests were wrong."
PET helped confirm the patient's suspicion.

"I hadn't had a physical in years, and my goodness was I surprised when something showed up on my chest x-ray. I felt fine! Imagine my shock when my doctor wanted to schedule surgery."
PET pinpointed the problem, leading to a correct course of treatment

Source: UCLA Comprehensive Cancer Center

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