What is it?
An imaging technique where radioactive tracers are injected and the patient goes into a donut-shaped machine. The energy given off is then converted to images by a computer, giving a real time view of what is happening in the body. Vital functions such as oxygen use and glucose metabolism can be measured and help doctors identify problems. It can detect cancer, heart problems, brain disorders and other nervous system problems. The scan itself takes about 30-60 minutes.
Cancer
The scan can detect certain types of cancer such as,
- Brain
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colon
- Esophageal
- Lung
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Pancreatic
- Thyroid
Cancerous cells have a higher metabolism rate so they show up brighter on the scan.
Heart
Allows doctors see decreased blood flow in the heart. Can help to plan a surgery such as coronary artery bypass surgery.
Nervous System
Detect activity and find
- Tumors
- Memory disorders
- Seizures
Are there any risks?
The radioactivity is too small to harm a person, but if a woman is pregnant it may harm the fetus. Also if she is breast-feeding there is a possibility of harming the infant.
