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How do I Interpret PET Scan Images?

Angie Johnson-Schmit
Angie Johnson-Schmit

The images generated by a positron emission topography (PET) scan essentially provide a visual representation of what is happening in the human body, by revealing metabolic activity differences in organs and tissue. Areas of high activity typically appear brighter than areas with lower levels on PET scans. These bright areas are usually the focus of diagnostic interest. The process of interpreting these scans is complex and involves a number of variables. Radiologists who have received specialized training in nuclear medicine most often perform PET scan image interpretation.

PET scan images are captured by a camera that photographs the path of a radioactive substance as it moves through the body. One of the most common radioactive substances used for PET scans is a simple sugar analog, known as fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). After receiving this radiopharmaceutical injection, the body metabolizes the sugar and the radioactive positrons carried by the FDG are released. The patient is placed in a PET scanner, which captures the rate of positrons released. This information is then translated into visual images that can be interpreted and used to identify areas of concern.

PET scans are useful in the diagnosis of various cancers.
PET scans are useful in the diagnosis of various cancers.

These images have proven useful in the diagnosis of various cancers, heart diseases, and brain disorders in the human body. The information provided by PET scans usually offers information on a metabolic level, which can be essential in detecting cancer cell activity. To give a more complete picture of what is happening within the body, physicians will sometimes order a combination of a PET scan and a computerized tomography (CT) test. The CT test reveals internal anatomical information that can be used to more accurately pinpoint the location of abnormal growths. Combining these two tests can be especially beneficial for those with cancerous growths.

PET scans should be interpreted by an experienced physician.
PET scans should be interpreted by an experienced physician.

Interpreting PET scan images is complicated by a number of factors. Visual interpretation alone is insufficient to accurately read a PET scan. Radiologists may use other tools such as the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) scale to augment interpretation of PET scan images. It is also important to note that PET scans can give false positives. This is especially true where there are abnormal chemical balances in the body, such as when a patient has diabetes or has eaten just before the procedure. If a patient has questions about a PET scan image, scheduling a consultation with a trained radiologist is likely to yield the most satisfactory result.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@raybow- I agree with you, though not every doctor is proficient at reading this advanced type of imaging test. Anyone who needs to have a PET scan should talk to his or her doctor about getting a referral to a medical professional who is trained in PET scan technology.

After the PET scan has been done, a patient should talk to his or her doctor and the trained radiologist who read the scan results. When you are talking about a serious diagnosis that many PET scans are determining, several opinions are better than one.

Raynbow

No one but a trained physician or radiologist should try to interpret PET scan images. If you need to know what your PET scan test indicates, it is very important that you talk to your doctor so you don't have to guess about your diagnosis.

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    • PET scans are useful in the diagnosis of various cancers.
      By: James Steidl
      PET scans are useful in the diagnosis of various cancers.
    • PET scans should be interpreted by an experienced physician.
      By: grieze
      PET scans should be interpreted by an experienced physician.
    • In most cases PET scan results will not be available for several days, although in emergency situations they may be interpreted in real time.
      By: EPSTOCK
      In most cases PET scan results will not be available for several days, although in emergency situations they may be interpreted in real time.
    • Physicians will sometimes order a combination of a PET scan and a CT scan to obtain more detail.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Physicians will sometimes order a combination of a PET scan and a CT scan to obtain more detail.
    • PET scan results may be important in diagnosing brain disorders.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      PET scan results may be important in diagnosing brain disorders.
    • If they have questions about their PET scan image, a patient can schedule a consultation with a radiologist to go over the results.
      By: Photographee.eu
      If they have questions about their PET scan image, a patient can schedule a consultation with a radiologist to go over the results.
    • PET scan results are generally only interpreted by radiologists who have received specialized training in nuclear medicine.
      By: michaeljung
      PET scan results are generally only interpreted by radiologists who have received specialized training in nuclear medicine.
    • Visual interpretation alone is typically insufficient to accurately read a PET scan.
      By: Rob Byron
      Visual interpretation alone is typically insufficient to accurately read a PET scan.