If you’ve been asked to get a PET scan, you may be wondering what it is and what happens during one. The PET scan procedure in Burbank CA uses special radioactive molecules to show your body’s organs and how they function. The radioactive molecule gets injected into the bloodstream; you get to rest for up to an hour while the isotope circulates through the body. Then, a machine detects the isotope and creates an image of what is happening in your body by its presence or lack thereof. There may be times when the technician asks you to reposition yourself or hold your breath. It is likely that you will hear clicking or whirring noises during the test. While these can sound strange, they are normal. Doctors can use the scan information to determine any abnormalities, such as inflammation, cancer, or even Alzheimer’s disease.
Where the Scan Looks
The PET scan can be used on any part of the body. Therefore, your doctor is likely to order it for many reasons. The machine used can look like a CT machine, and it has a table that slides you into a type of tunnel, allowing the machine to peek into your body from every angle. The 360-view allows the doctor to see your body as the scan works, ensuring that they can see any illnesses and problems.
Illnesses Detected
As with any diagnostic tool, the PET scan detects a variety of illnesses. However, these scans are usually used to check for heart issues, cancer, nervous system problems, and brain disorders. Your doctor can also track the spread of cancer or tumor growth with such a scan. A PET or CT scan can also be used to determine how effective your cancer treatment is. They are also used to diagnose seizures, and memory problem causes. For more information visit Glendale MRI.
