What should I expect during a PET scan for Multiple Myeloma

What to Expect During a PET Scan for Multiple Myeloma

A PET scan is an important imaging test that helps your care team see where myeloma is active in your body. Let me walk you through what happens during this procedure.

What a PET Scan Does

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Multiple Myeloma, a PET scan works by detecting areas of busy cellular activity in your body. Since cancer cells are very active and consume more energy than normal cells, they show up brightly on PET scans.

For myeloma specifically, doctors use a radiotracer (a special substance) called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose), which is similar to glucose (sugar). The FDG is injected into your bloodstream and travels throughout your body. Myeloma cells take up this FDG and become visible on the scan images.

The Actual Procedure: Step-by-Step

Here's what typically happens:

Before the scan:

• You'll receive an injection of the radiotracer (FDG) through a vein
• You'll wait 30-60 minutes while the tracer circulates through your body and concentrates in areas of cancer activity
• If you have diabetes, your blood sugar needs to be well-controlled, as high blood sugar can interfere with the scan

During the scan:

• You'll lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine (the PET/CT scanner)
• The machine takes images from different angles
• The scan is painless and usually takes 20-30 minutes
• You need to stay still during imaging
• You may hear humming or clicking sounds from the machine

After the scan:

• The radiotracer leaves your body naturally over the next few hours
• You can usually return to normal activities immediately
• Drink plenty of water to help flush the tracer from your system

Why This Matters for Your Myeloma Care

According to NCCN Guidelines, a whole-body PET/CT scan is very good at showing where active myeloma is located in your body—both in the bones and elsewhere. The CT part of the scan also helps show bone damage from myeloma, which is common in multiple myeloma patients.

This information helps your care team:

• Confirm your diagnosis
• Determine how advanced your myeloma is
• Plan your treatment
• Check how well treatment is working
• Monitor for any changes in your disease

Important Notes

• No radiation risk to others: The amount of radiation from the radiotracer is very small and safe
• Pregnancy concerns: Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as the tracer may not be appropriate
• Medication interactions: Let your care team know about all medications and supplements you're taking
• Comfort: The scan itself is not uncomfortable, though lying still for 20-30 minutes might feel awkward

Questions to Ask Your Care Team

Before your PET scan, consider asking:

• How long will the entire appointment take (including waiting time)?
• Should I eat or drink anything before the scan?
• Are there any medications I should avoid before the scan?
• When will I get the results, and who will explain them to me?
• How will these results affect my treatment plan?

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