Scan Time
 

Happy New Year to All- I am getting a cat scan on Tuesday, but I have a cold and cough.I thought I remember reading once that infections and inflammation would light up on the scan. Will they be able to tell the difference between coughs and colds and cancer? God bless- Cathy

Hi Cathy~

Ugh! Scan time...that's always a bumpy time for me. So,wishing you peace & tranquility, calm & a quick turn around on your results!
If you're having a regular CT Scan, that type of scan only images physical bodies. A PET Scan, however, differentiates metabolic/live things from non metabollic/artifact & scar tissue. Inflammation can also show up on a PET scan. It's common to do a combo CT/PET-I like to think of it as the CT part is like a B&W photo, then the PET colors it in, differentiating live stuff from scar tissue or artifacts.
Be sure to tell the tech that you have a cold & maybe they can do a better job of explaining what they're able to differentiate/see on the CT.
Much luck & keep us posted on the results!
Keep the Faith!

Just had my first PET this morning. I have bouts of diverticulitis; feel like I'm in the throes of it now. Sounds like this will light up the PET scan. I really stress during these 'wait' periods for results.