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P.E.T. Scan March 2014 (P.E.T. Number 1)

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P.E.T. Scan March 2014 (P.E.T. Number 1)

PET Scan Unit

A Positron Emission Tomography scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan shows how organs and tissues are working. This is different than MRI and CT scans. These tests show the structure of, and blood flow to and from organs.

I will have a number of these scans over the next 6 months.

I arrived at the unit in CUH (Cork University Hospital) with only some knowledge of what these Scan’s are. I have had a number of CT Scans over the past number of years.

I have heard a number of comments and titles for the scans. From Nuclear Scans, Radiation Scans, PET CT Scans. The are actually classed as P.E.T. Scans.

The procedure starts with a questionnaire about previous test, scans, operations, diagnosis and current medication. They include height and weight so that the radiologist can set the right balance for the injection. Blood sugar levels are then measured to insure that the blood sugar balance is correct, the reason behind this is that the injection has a mixture of radiation and glucose.

Glucose is the main type of sugar in the blood and is the major source of energy for the body’s cells. Glucose comes from the foods we eat or the body can make it from other substances. Glucose is carried to the cells through the bloodstream. Several hormones, including insulin, control glucose levels in the blood.

(a) Focal FDG uptake in the bone marrow (red arrows) of a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma upon diagnosis indicating involvement of the bone marrow in a patient with concomitant nodal involvement (black arrows). Iliac crest bone marrow biopsy was negative for Hodgkin lymphoma. (b) A patient with mediastinal involvement of Hodgkin lymphoma (black arrow) and negative bone marrow biopsy exhibit a diffusely increased FDG uptake in the bone marrow compartment, considered a nonmalignant finding in this disease.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional. The information in these articles are based on my personal experience and research, and it’s not meant to be a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. The site is about Awareness to Lymphoma and explores my own medical, mental and physical approach to therapy and continues into Living with Cancer.

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