“What is a lung PET scan?”
What does a PET scan for the lungs involve? My grandpa is getting this scan soon for his lungs to see if he might have a tumor in his lungs. Does he need to prepare for this scan?
3 Answers
The facility where he is getting the scan should give him instructions. The PET scan should include the whole body and will show areas of increased metabolism. Usually, not only, a tumor. Biopsies may be needed afterwards for a definitive dx
They inject a radio active substance that binds to cancer and no, no prep necessary
A PET scan involves injection of a small amount of radioactive material that collects in regions of active metabolism. A lung PET is designed to see if there is active metabolism in a mass within the lung. If so, that mass will need to be addressed further. Follow the preparations given by the imaging center. They are not too restrictive. Best of luck!
