What should I expect during a PET scan for Lymphoma

What to Expect During a PET Scan for Lymphoma

A PET scan is an important imaging test that helps your oncology team see where lymphoma cells are in your body and how active they are. Here's what you should know about the experience:

How a PET Scan Works

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Marginal Zone Lymphomas, a PET scan uses a radioactive substance called a tracer that's injected into your vein. This tracer helps highlight cancer cells because lymphoma cells typically use more sugar (glucose) than normal cells to grow. The scanner detects this activity and creates images showing where cancer cells are located.

What Happens During the Procedure

Before your scan:

• You'll arrive early to check in and have an IV placed in your arm
• The radioactive tracer will be injected through the IV
• You'll wait 30-60 minutes while the tracer circulates through your body and concentrates in areas with cancer cells
• During this waiting period, you should rest quietly in a comfortable area

During the scan:

• You'll lie on a table that slides into the PET scanner
• The machine is open on the sides (not claustrophobic like some MRI machines)
• The scan typically takes 20-30 minutes
• You need to stay still and may be asked to hold your breath briefly for certain images
• The machine makes clicking and whirring sounds, which is normal

Important Things to Know

About the tracer:

• The radioactive tracer is safe and leaves your body naturally through your urine within hours
• It's not permanent and causes no lasting effects
• The radiation exposure is similar to other medical imaging tests

Comfort tips:

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing
• Remove any metal objects (jewelry, watches, etc.) before the scan
• Let the technologist know if you have any anxiety about enclosed spaces
• You can usually listen to music during the scan

After your scan:

• You can return to normal activities immediately
• Drink extra water to help flush the tracer from your body
• A radiologist (imaging specialist) will review your images and send a report to your oncology team

Important Reminder About Results

According to the NCCN Guidelines, while imaging reports may be available through your patient portal, it's important to wait and discuss the results with your care team. Here's why:

• Not all bright spots on a PET scan are cancer—inflammation or infection can also appear bright
• Your doctor needs to interpret the images in the context of your complete medical picture
• Your oncologist will explain what the findings mean for your specific situation and treatment plan

Questions to Ask Your Care Team

Before your PET scan, consider asking:

1. Why is this PET scan being done at this point in my treatment?
2. Will this scan affect my treatment decisions?
3. When will I get the results, and how will we discuss them?
4. Are there any special instructions I should follow before the scan (like fasting)?
5. Will I need repeat PET scans, and if so, how often?

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.