PET Scan

Yesterday I had a PET scan. From this experience I’ve learned that a PET scan helps physicians effectively pinpoint the source of cancer. This is possible because many cancer cells are highly metabolic and therefore synthesize the radioactive glucose (sugar) that was injected into me prior to the exam. The areas of high glucose uptake are dramatically displayed in the scan imagery, as opposed to the anatomical imagery of CT or MRI, which cannot detect active, viable tumors.

The PET scan can also be used in assisting physicians in determining the best method of treatment for my cancer and detect whether cancer is isolated to one specific area or has spread to other organs.

From yesterday’s PET scan I learned a couple of new things; first, the cancer is isolated to the right side of my body (breast, 2 lymphoids in my armpit, 1 lymphoid near my collarbone and 1 lymphoid near my chest). Second, the lump in my breast is a lot bigger than what I was originally told instead of 2cm it is 6cm.