Patients who receive a breast cancer diagnosis may undergo a PET-CT scan (Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography) to detect the spread of cancerous cells inside their body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breast PET-CT scan?
What is a breast PET-CT scan?
A breast PET-CT scan is an imaging test that combines two powerful technologies - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) - to provide detailed information about the structure and function of breast tissue and potential cancer spread.
What does a breast PET-CT scan detect?
What does a breast PET-CT scan detect?
PET is an imaging procedure which uses small amounts of radioactive tracers to help diagnose, locate and assess a disease. The functional PET images are overlaid with high-definition anatomical CT images to pinpoint exactly where any abnormal activity is occurring in the body. It can be used for:
- Checking if breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body (like lymph nodes, bones, liver, or lungs);
- Evaluating how well treatment is working;
- Investigating unexplained symptoms or findings when other scans are inconclusive.
Does a breast CT scan detect breast cancer?
Does a breast CT scan detect breast cancer?
This technology determines whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (typically in the axilla) or other parts of the body such as the skeleton (metastatic breast cancer). Specialists may also perform a PET-CT scan on patients with metastatic breast cancer to gauge treatment response or if they suspect a recurrence of a previous breast cancer.
Is a breast PET-CT scan safe?
Is a breast PET-CT scan safe?
Breast PET-CT is a safe and routine procedure. It may be necessary to have an injection of contrast for the CT component of the scan. You will be asked questions regarding any previous iodine contrasts reactions prior to any scan being performed.
Breast PET-CT Treatment: What to expect
Before a Breast PET-CT
To have a breast PET-CT scan, you need a referral from your specialist to be able to book an appointment. You will be advised when you make your appointment on any necessary preparations for your scan.
When you arrive at Allevia Radiology, you will be given a questionnaire to complete. A Molecular Imaging Technologist will explain the entire process, answer any questions or concerns you may have and make sure you are comfortable.
During a Breast PET-CT
The breast CT scan itself takes approximately 20-40 minutes, but you will need to allow 2-3 hours for the entire PET-CT appointment.
You will be asked to change into a gown and remove metallic objects such as jewellery and hearing aids.
An IV line will be placed in your arm and the tracer is injected through the line. After the injection, depending on the type of tracer, you may have to wait up to one hour before you are ready for your images to be taken.
The PET scanner detects the radiation released from the radioactive injection and uses this to create pictures of your body. The CT scan will image the anatomy and alteration in structures related to disease.
After a Breast PET-CT
The amount of radioactivity administered from the PET scan is small and will be flushed out of your system by the end of the day. However, because it takes a few hours to leave your system, we suggest you minimise contact with others (especially children and pregnant women) for 4 hours following your scan.
You can resume your normal activities and diet after the examination. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day, as this will help clear any remaining tracer from your body.
The results of your scan will be sent to your doctor, electronically, as soon as possible. If you require urgent results, please let the receptionist and the technologist know, and you can also request a copy of your results if you’d like to.
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