Does a PET scan look at the whole body or just one organ system?

pj12

I am scheduled for a PET scan in July due to a suspicious spot in one lung. Not really too worried about it. But I am having some abdominal bloating and weird, even intense, hunger pains. Both of these are new to me. So naturally my thoughts go to the dark side. I could check in with my PCP but if the JulyPET scan includes the belly area I can wait and see if anything bad is going on. So will my PET scan look at just the lungs or does it scan at least the whole torso?



Thanks for all opinions-info!

Moderators

HI Pj12,

The main Breastcancer.org site's page on PET Scans might be helpful!

The Mods

kathleen1966

A PET scan, if the range is from the mid-thigh to the head, will find any cancer if it is big enough to uptake the sugar they give you while you are relaxing in the quiet chair/room.  It is expensive and a lot of insurance companies will fight a person getting one. I think it is accurate and most technicians will be able to read whether or not uptake is cancer or normal uptake.  Good luck and I hope it is nothing for you.

pgpapergirl

Hi Pj12

I just recently had my second PET scan and it shows everything from the neck down to the thigh.  Hope all goes well for you.

stellaratovsky

The Pet Scan does the whole body scan,  It checks for everything from bones organs and I believe tissues.  Lots of luck and hope it comes back with good news.

bevin

My PET scan was "nose to toes", and looked at all parts.  As I understand, that is generally common.

Good luck to you

Bevin

pj12

I love you guys! Thanks so much. I know it will be fine but nice to know I will get some worries resolved. This site is wonderful and the sisters here are the best.